Imenti North MP Rahim Dawood engages Gakoromone traders. Photo by Brian Gitonga
Imenti North MP says disagreements over temporary trader relocation risk derailing a once-in-a-generation market project secured directly from the President.
By Brian Gitonga
Imenti North MP Rahim Dawood yesterday expressed reservations about a proposed temporary relocation site next to the Gakoromone sewerage pond, warning that prolonged trader disagreements could jeopardise the KSh1.2 billion Gakoromone Market project and result in the funds being redirected elsewhere.
Speaking during a visit to the proposed relocation area, Dawood questioned the suitability of the sewerage pond site, which some traders had proposed to the county government as an alternative to an earlier temporary location they had rejected.
“I don’t know why they took the governor there, because that site will even make it hard for them to get customers,” Dawood said.
The MP said he had also reinspected the earlier temporary site — commonly referred to as “Shakahola” — which traders rejected several weeks ago. His initial concern had been the site’s drainage and sewerage system, but he said that problem had since been resolved, leaving only the access roads as the outstanding issue.
“My problem previously was with the sewerage system, but now that problem has been solved. What is left are the entrance and exit roads, which have some challenges, but the contractor is already working on them,” Dawood said.
He added that discussions had been held with the town board to address the access concerns before traders make a final decision on where to relocate during construction.
Dawood was emphatic that the KSh1.2B project must not be derailed by the impasse. He traced the origins of the market to his own lobbying efforts, which began at a meeting at the Deputy President’s residence in Karen and continued at State House, where he raised the matter with President William Ruto alongside the governor, Members of the County Assembly and fellow MPs.
He said he initially requested a KSh800 million market, which the governor supported, before Ruto committed to a project exceeding KSh1B. The final allocation stands at KSh1.2B.
“What I have told the people is that we wanted the market to be built because when that money is awarded, instead of it being lost, let it be used to build the market,” Dawood said.
The MP also acknowledged that some traders had proposed relocating the entire KSh1.2B market development from its current site to the sewerage pond area. He said he would consult the national government, including through the Deputy President, to establish whether such a change of site was feasible.
“I will ask the government through the Deputy President if it is possible, and if it is, then it is okay. But if it is not possible, it is them who will decide what they want,” Dawood said.
While affirming that traders have the right to decide where they operate during construction, Dawood maintained that reaching a common position quickly was essential. He warned that sustained disagreement risked leaving the project in limbo at a time when the allocated funds could be redirected to other priorities.
He urged traders to set aside their differences and focus on the larger prize — a market that, once built, would serve the Gakoromone community for generations.
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