Will Wakulima market's face lift attract new customers?

The business environment is looking good at Wakulima Market following the completion of the road and drainage upgrades that traders say have restored dignity, boosted trade, and brought customers back in large numbers.

According to Wakulima Market secretary Masline Kemuma, the new road has transformed their daily operations. She recalls how difficult it was to do business before the upgrade, with flooding being a challenge when it rained.

“When it rained the drainage would be blocked and overflow in our work areas. Some people would be forced to close their businesses. More to it, customers avoided the market because of the mud and waterlogging,” she says.

Kemuma adds that the foul smell from the drainage not only affected raders but also the customers who shied away from the market.

“Such improvements will grant us better earning and more revenue generation for the county. It has been two days since we came back and we can only hope that it gets better,” she notes.

Kemuma says the improved road has also placed Wakulima Market on fair competition grounds with other markets in Nakuru such as Top Market within the city centre among other markets.

 “Previously, people preferred other markets because of accessibility challenges, especially on rainy days. But now, our market looks modern, customers are flowing back, and we feel dignified like other traders,” she notes.

On his end, Wakulima Market Chairman Gerald Kilonzo says, the new road will be of great service to suppliers who bring produce to the market.

“Before there were huge potholes that led to breakdown of lorries as they dropped off food at the market. At times traders would be forced to meet this extra cost, something which affected business profit margin,” he says, noting the new road is a relief to many.

The chairman further notes that the rehabilitation works are almost complete, with only a small percentage of slab work being waited to dry properly. 

“All traders are back at their station with the exemption of those selling tomatoes on wholesale. This is because we have to wait for 21 days for the road to properly cure so that lorries can start using the road. In the mean time they will still be operating from the Patel Brotherhood grounds,” he remarks.

Jane Mutheu, a customer, says she frequents the market because she runs errands for people in the market. She notes the new upgrade will ease her job by far.

“My clients always want fresh produce and at a favorable price. Earlier gumboots were my best buddies because of the muddy conditions but now that might be a thing of the past,” she says while appreciating the change.