By Paul Mwangi
The relocation of some businesses from Nyeri’s Central Business District (CBD) to the newly constructed Field Marshal Muthoni Kirima Market and Bus Park, commonly known as Asian Quarters, is gaining momentum.
In two weeks’ time, thousands of businesses in the town, primarily from the transportation sector and market vendors, will begin moving to the new market, about a kilometer away.
According to Nyeri County’s Lands and Physical Planning CEC, Ndirangu Gachunia, all long-distance vehicles will operate from the new bus park cum market to free up space in the town centre.
Also to be relocated are mechanics that currently repair vehicles in open areas within the town, which is the county headquarters.
The plan which has been in the works for a long time is aimed at expanding the town which has been congested for years.
The CEC revealed that the balloting process among traders has been completed successfully, and only final touches from the Trade Department are needed before the relocation begins.
Gachunia noted that Nyeri County has been ranked third in terms of revenue contribution to the national government, and the plan is to expand the town as new investors are coming in.
He also noted that all Matatu sacco (matatu cooperatives) have agreed to move to Asian Quarters, with their space allocations already ready.
To facilitate the relocation process, market traders have been allocated space, making way for other traders to join the project. The county government expects to be collecting a total of KSh1million daily once the process is complete.
There have been some resistance among a number of stakeholders over the move with claims that it is far away from the town centre and that some businesses will be adversely affected.