New Wajir modern market to be constructed at Baraza Park in Habaswein

Officials from Wajir County's Department of Public Health and Sanitation, in collaboration with representatives from the Trade Department and surveyors, have agreed on where to develop a modern market in Habaswein town.

The team, including Dr. Mohamed Kahiye (County Chief Officer of Public Health and Sanitation), John Okoth (Surveyor), John Kinywa Wambui (Trade Department), Ibrahim M. Maalim (County Public Health Officer), and Ahmed Diis (MCA, Habaswein Ward), recorded a report on the proposed market location.

The team which went on a fact-finding mission to the area in May, reviewed the current conditions, infrastructure, and areas for potential improvement in the proposed market zone, according to documents obtained by The Eastleigh Voice.

Habaswein is a town situated in Wajir County, northeastern Kenya, along the A3 highway, about 70 kilometres northeast of Wajir Town, the administrative county capital.

It boasts vibrant business activities where locals sell a variety of produce, including fruits, vegetables, and grains. Traders from neighbouring towns and villages flock to this fast-growing town to purchase goods for resale in other parts of the region.

Several sites were reviewed as the team deliberated on the possible market sites, including the old hospital, Baraza Park, and the police compound.

Each location was evaluated based on accessibility, sanitary facilities, parking availability, water supply, waste disposal systems, and space for market structures. The delegation considered these conditions in determining the most suitable site, an operating procedure stated in one of the documents.

The old hospital site, covering 1.8502 hectares, was deemed unsuitable due to the lack of access roads, the necessity of keeping medical facilities separate from market areas, and the risk of disease outbreaks. The handling of hazardous medical waste and the need for patient privacy were significant concerns raised by stakeholders including the Deputy County Commissioner for Wajir South.

"Future market expansion could also conflict with hospital operations, making this site impractical," the report noted.

The police compound site along the Wajir-Garissa road, while centrally located and spacious, was ruled out due to the lengthy administrative procedures involved and the urgency of market construction.

Most favourable location

Baraza Park, spanning 0.3 hectares, has emerged as the most favourable location. Its accessibility from two roads, proximity to the town centre, and adjacency to existing condemned public works make it an ideal site for the new modern market.

The team unanimously selected Baraza Park for its potential to accommodate all necessary market structures and facilities.

An aerial photo of the old Hospital site in Habaswein, one of the three sites considered as most appropriate places for the construction of the new market. (Photo: Google Maps)

Following thorough deliberations and site inspections, the team filed a report to the executive branch of the County Government, suggesting that Baraza Park is the most appropriate site for the new market.

Small-scale trade and commerce play a leading role in the local economy, with shops, roadside markets, and services catering to the needs of residents and travellers passing through.

The current open-air market offers visitors the opportunity to buy local handicrafts, textiles and other souvenirs.

Habaswein connects Wajir Town to the southwest and is approximately 70 kilometres northeast of it.

The town, poised to achieve Municipality status, serves as a vital administrative hub and a bustling centre for commerce and services within the expansive Wajir South Constituency. Its area is equivalent to the combined landmass of the former Nairobi, Central, and Western provinces.

The planned modern market will feature essential facilities such as ablution blocks, hand-washing points, proper access roads, parking and loading zones, water supply and drainage systems, waste disposal systems, shaded display platforms, a food court, storage facilities, electricity and power supply, security systems, and emergency response points.

Abdi Shukri Abdirahman said the construction of a modern market promises to bring a multitude of benefits to the community and the broader region.

"The establishment of a structured and well-organized market will create a stable environment for traders, boosting local commerce and attracting increased business activities," explained the trader, eager to secure a stall at the new trading centre.

Higher incomes

Abdi further mentioned that the rise in commercial activities would result in higher incomes for vendors, generate diverse job opportunities, stimulate the local economy, and potentially alleviate poverty for many.

Modern markets typically include better facilities such as proper stalls, sanitation, and storage areas. The development will offer small traders a suitable place to conduct their businesses. It also aims to ensure higher hygiene and safety standards.

Mohamud Osman, a resident of Habaswein, welcomed the news, arguing a conducive environment will make entrepreneurs earn more from their work and enhance trade efficiency.

"With a dedicated space for commerce, transactions will be more organized and streamlined. Vendors will have designated spots, reducing the chaos often associated with our markets," he added.

Mama Dahabo Jama, a milk vendor, said the marketplace will play a pivotal role in promoting milk-related activities, providing a favourable environment for vendors like herself to thrive.

"Dairy producers in the region will benefit from having a reliable venue to sell their milk, ensuring that fresh, local dairy products are readily available to the community," she said.

The site visit report of the delegation doing the assessment recognized the project will generate extra revenue for the local government through licensing fees, taxes, and other charges, which can be reinvested into additional development projects.

During their fact-finding mission, the visiting delegation observed, "businesses and investors often seek stable and organized environments for their operations," and that the new business complex will enhance Habaswein's attractiveness for further investment.

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