𝐆𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐎𝐑 𝐁𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐒𝐀 𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍𝐒 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐑𝐔𝐓𝐎 𝐀𝐓 𝐌𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐇𝐀 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐊𝐄𝐓 𝐆𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆.

H.E. Governor Dr. Fernandes Barasa, FCPA, today joined H.E. President Dr. William Samoei Ruto and other Leaders from Kakamega at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Malaha Market, a key development project set to benefit residents of Navakholo and Mumias East sub-counties in Kakamega County.

The modern market is a joint initiative between the county and national governments aimed at strengthening the local economy and improving livelihoods for traders, farmers, and small-scale entrepreneurs.

Kakamega County purchased a strategic two-acre parcel of land for the project, while the national government, through the Economic Stimulus Programme, has committed KSh 350 million toward its construction.

Once complete, the Malaha Market will feature modern trading stalls, improved sanitation facilities, and storage spaces to support organized and efficient business operations. The facility is expected to accommodate over 750 traders and provide a reliable marketplace for farmers and vendors from Navakholo, Mumias East, and neighbouring areas.

Speaking during the occasion, Governor Barasa welcomed the collaboration between the two levels of government, noting that such partnerships accelerate grassroots development and economic empowerment. The President, on his part, reiterated the national government’s commitment to expanding market infrastructure across the country to support small businesses, strengthen agricultural value chains, and create sustainable economic opportunities.

Earlier, the President launched the Rural Electrification Programme at Nderema Village in Navakholo, which will connect over 4,000 households to electricity, part of a KSh 2.9–3 billion national programme targeting the connection of over 34,000 households to the electricity grid in Kakamega County.