The Sh50 million Panpaper Modern Market in Lugari Ward, Lugari Constituency, Kakamega County, is nearing completion, with construction now standing at 93 per cent, according to Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera.
The MP, speaking to the Western Kenya Times, confirmed the progress and urged residents and traders to remain patient as the project enters its final phase.
Nabwera said traders would also benefit from a dedicated water supply, following the drilling of a borehole that will serve the market once the facility becomes operational.
He noted that lack of reliable water has been a major challenge for traders at Panpaper, with the new supply expected to improve sanitation and make the trading environment more conducive for businesses.
The modern market, being developed under the government’s Economic Stimulus Programme, is built on about one acre of land provided by the County Government of Kakamega and is expected to accommodate about 200 traders, with capacity for up to 600 traders on designated market days.
The facility will include modern stalls, offices, an ICT room, financial services space, a cold room, social hall, breastfeeding room and improved sanitation facilities. The cold-storage facility is expected to particularly benefit traders dealing in agricultural produce by helping reduce post-harvest losses.
Once completed, the market is expected to strengthen Panpaper’s position as a regional trading centre, with improved road connectivity potentially drawing traders and customers from neighbouring Bungoma and Uasin Gishu counties.
