In a week in which more than 70 MPs from Mt. Kenya and shouted about being sidelined by the Jubilee government, President Uhuru Kenyatta landed in Nyeri County, the heart of the region with goodies.
The legislators led by Runyenjes MP Cecily Mbarire accused Uhuru of turning against his pledge to develop the region which massively voted for him in his second tenure after giving attention to other regions in his first tenure.
“Mt. Kenya region must claim its rightful share of development. We contribute to more than 60% of this country’s GDP yet less than 20% comes back to us.” Reads part of a press release read by Mbarire.
It seems the President heard their cries and visited Nyeri on Thursday in a visit termed as official by State House.
Uhuru opened the Karatina Market Hub, the largest open-air market in East Africa and also the second largest in Africa after Kano in Nigeria.
According to the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU), the market that cost Ksh475 million is set to host 2000 traders and will be operational for 24 hours a day.
President @UKenyatta presides over the official opening of the modern #Karatina Market Hub. The hub will accommodate various wholesale and retail traders and promote growth of #SMEs #TwasongaMbele #DoingBiz pic.twitter.com/iexCoArBzb
— State House Kenya (@StateHouseKenya) November 1, 2018
Nyeri county residents are joyous over the project because it has finally materialized after a 10-year stall caused by wrangles.
The history of the market dates back to 1938 when it started as a barter trade centre and hit a growth spurt during the construction of Nairobi – Nanyuki Railway line.
It was considered for upgrading under the Economic Stimulus Program in 2009 when Uhuru was the Finance minister and was commissioned the following year. It will create jobs for Nyeri people and Mt. Kenya region at large.
The president also commissioned the construction of the Terminal 1 at Nyaribo Airstrip in Nyeri to further promote the recently launched direct flights to Wilson Airport in Nairobi.
Nyeri County Governor Mutahi Kahiga expressed his optimism about what these new developments mean for the region.
According to sources, the project is being undertaken by the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) in conjunction with the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure.
He explained the strategic location of the county in that, it lies in between Mt Kenya and Aberdare ranges which are popular tourist attractions.
Uhuru also assured farmers that the government will revive the coffee sector and avail affordable fertilizer to bring down the cost of production