Sh400m market put Kiambu county and national governments on collision course

The construction of the Sh400 million Madaraka Market in Thika has pitted Kiambu County government against the national government, each claiming ownership of the project.

Open differences emerged during an inspection tour by officers from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, led by Thika Town MP Alice Ng’ang’a and county government officers.

Traders and residents witnessed an unusual exchange of words between officers from the county and national governments, pointing to each side’s role in the project.

The national government claims to be the financier, having allocated Sh400 million in the 2023/2024 budget for its construction, while the county government insisted it has the power to inject over Sh200 million into the project to bring to an end to decades of suffering among traders.

Speaking during the tour of the market whose facelift the traders have been agitating for, Ng’ang’a took issue with the devolved government for what she termed an attempt to duplicate a function that should be handled by the national government.

“I want to state here categorically that this market is being built by the national government, they have given us Sh400 million, the county government of Kiambu should keep off and do other markets with the money they claim to have.” Ng’ang’a said.

The lawmaker upheld that while the county is mandated to oversee operations of markets from which it draws levies, the devolved unit has no financial stamina to put up such a project.

She urged governor Kimani Wamatangi to instead focus on constructing smaller markets elsewhere.

“The government has heard your cry and that’s why we are here, we will construct a modern market with good operating structures, fencing, construction of drainage and lavatories, lighting and children-nursing rooms.” Michael Mwendwa, a director with the Housing and Urban Development ministry, said.

Local traders’ chairperson Ephantus Njeru concurred that the project belongs to the national government and expressed dissatisfaction with county officers, accusing them of designing their operational plans without consulting the traders.

Attempts by county Trade, Investment and Tourism CECM Nancy Gichung’wa, to convince the traders that the county would contribute more than Sh100 million to the project failed as the traders opposed the proposal and urged the county to inject the funds into another market.

The meeting continued, but the county officers eventually fled to avoid further confrontations with disgruntled traders.

Madaraka market is part of a larger effort by the national government to establish markets in Kiandutu, Ngoliba, Gatuanyaga and Ngoingwa, to enhance trade in the constituency. As a result of the eight years’ dispute, traders are operating in a dilapidated environment.