By Bonface Mulyungi

President William Ruto on Saturday commissioned the Diani Modern Market in Kwale County, a facility expected to improve trading conditions for hundreds of small-scale traders in the region.

The market, which was launched in June 2024 and is now complete, has more than 300 stalls occupied by traders dealing in fresh produce and other goods.

The facility also includes an ICT centre and a breastfeeding and resting area for mothers with young children.

Speaking during the commissioning, Market Chairman Sebastian Musembi said traders had previously operated in an open-air market under difficult conditions, particularly during adverse weather.

“We are grateful for this project. This used to be an open-air market and the conditions were challenging, especially during rainy and hot seasons,” said Musembi.

He added that the market space may soon prove insufficient on busy market days due to the growing number of traders, and called for further engagement with the government on possible expansion plans.

During the event, President Ruto also laid the foundation stone for the Lunga Lunga ESP Market at the Kenya-Tanzania border and the Mkuluni/Ganze ESP Market, projects aimed at boosting trade within the coastal region.

Earlier in his Coast tour, the President launched the Kinango ESP Market in Kwale County and inspected the Kizingitini Fish Market and Hindi Market projects in Lamu County.

Ruto is expected to conclude his regional tour on Monday in Mombasa County, where he will lay the foundation stone for the Makupa Modern Market.

The markets are part of the government’s wider plan to expand trading infrastructure and support small and medium-sized enterprises by improving access to formal trading spaces for farmers and small-scale traders.