By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 6 December 2025 - The Ndhiwa ESP Market, a flagship infrastructure project designed to modernise trading spaces for local entrepreneurs, is now 80% complete, marking a major milestone for the town and the wider Homa Bay region.
Work began in March 2024, and the state-of-the-art complex will accommodate 1,200 traders – 600 on the ground floor and 600 on the upper floor.
Built to provide a safe, organised, and dignified trading environment, the market will transform the daily lives of local traders.
The project forms part of President William Ruto's administration drive to construct more than 400 ESP (Essential Services Provision) markets nationwide, delivering secure and functional trading hubs for mama mbogas and small-scale vendors.
Several ESP markets are also under construction across Homa Bay and the wider Nyanza region, underlining the government’s commitment to bolstering domestic trade and local economies.
Local MP Martin Owino praised the development, calling it “a clear demonstration of the national government’s steadfast commitment to upgrading market infrastructure for traders.”
He added: “ESP markets are far more than bricks and mortar; they are catalysts for economic growth, supporting small businesses and strengthening local commerce. Ndhiwa residents can now look forward to a safe and conducive trading environment that will, in turn, stimulate the local economy.”
Traders have warmly welcomed the new facility, highlighting the vast improvement over previous conditions.
Long-time vendor Ms Alice Atieno said, “For years we endured scorching sun and heavy rain while trading. The new market offers safety and convenience, letting us concentrate on our businesses without fear of losing goods.”
Ms Fridah Anyango echoed the sentiment, pointing out that traders previously wasted valuable time moving goods during the rainy season.
The improved facilities are expected to raise productivity and increase earnings.
MP Owino observed that structured stalls and reliable infrastructure help formalise trade, improve tax compliance, and streamline supply chains.
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Economists note that investment in local markets creates a multiplier effect: stronger marketplaces boost consumer spending, generate employment, and stimulate local production – all reinforcing the domestic economy.
Beyond economics, the markets also promote social and civic engagement. Traders have expressed gratitude to the government and say the project has restored their faith in state-led initiatives.
“We are grateful for this investment,” Alice Atieno said.
“It shows the government is listening to our needs. We shall reciprocate this support in the coming elections.”
For Homa Bay County and the wider Nyanza region, the Ndhiwa ESP Market is poised to serve as a model for future developments.
Its completion will represent a significant stride towards the national vision of a network of modern trading hubs that empowers small-scale entrepreneurs and strengthens economic resilience.
As the project enters its final phase, stakeholders remain optimistic about its lasting impact on both the local economy and community livelihoods.
With ESP markets rising across Kenya, the initiative highlights a strategic focus on grassroots commerce, ensuring local traders have the infrastructure they need to prosper in a competitive environment.
The Ndhiwa ESP Market today stands as more than a construction site. It symbolises a deliberate effort to fortify the domestic economy, enhance trader welfare, and create a sustainable platform for small-scale entrepreneurship.
By closing infrastructure gaps and fostering an enabling trading environment, the government is laying the foundation for inclusive growth that will resonate far beyond the stalls of Ndhiwa.
