By Andrew Mbuva
Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has pledged to construct a modern Machakos Mitumba Market as her administration moves to restore the livelihoods of hundreds of traders whose businesses were destroyed by a devastating fire.
Speaking while issuing financial support cheques to the affected traders, Governor Ndeti said the county government was committed to helping victims recover and rebuild their businesses.
"To restore the livelihoods of the 226 traders whose businesses were affected by the fire that razed the Machakos Mitumba Market, I have issued financial support cheques to help them rebuild their businesses and resume their economic activities," she said.
The governor noted that the financial assistance is part of the county government's broader intervention aimed at cushioning traders from the economic impact of the disaster and enabling them to return to business as quickly as possible.
Recognizing the effect of the fire on families, the county government also presented bursary cheques to 69 students whose parents and guardians lost their businesses in the inferno.
"I have also presented bursary cheques to 69 students whose parents' and guardians' businesses were affected by the fire, ensuring their education continues uninterrupted despite the challenges faced by their families," Governor Ndeti said.
She emphasized that no child should be forced out of school because of an unforeseen tragedy affecting their family's source of income.
Looking ahead, the governor announced plans to construct a new and improved Machakos Mitumba Market fitted with modern facilities to provide traders with a safer and more conducive working environment.
"As an administration, we are going to build a new Machakos Mitumba Market with modern facilities that will provide a safer, more organized, and conducive trading environment," she said.
Governor Ndeti assured traders that the county government would involve them throughout the process to ensure the new market addresses their needs.
"We will continue working closely with the traders to ensure the new market meets their needs, supports the growth of their businesses, and safeguards their livelihoods," she added.
The announcement offers renewed hope to hundreds of traders seeking to rebuild after the devastating fire, with the county government promising both immediate relief and a long-term solution through the construction of a modern trading facility.
