Bomet traders lament over neglected market stalls project

By Stanley Kimoru 

Traders and residents of Kapkwen in Chepalungu Sub-county, Bomet County, have voiced growing frustration over the abandonment of the Kapkwen ESP Market project, which now lies incomplete months after the contractor left the site.

The once-promising construction site presents a disheartening picture—heaps of unused building materials strewn across the grounds, pools of stagnant water collected in open trenches, and incomplete walls supported by half-built pillars, slowly weathering under the elements.

“This project gave us hope. We thought we’d finally have a clean and organized place to sell our produce,” said. Now look at it—just mud, water, and wasted cement. We feel forgotten,” said Mary Chebet, a vegetable vendor.

The market, launched under the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP), was intended to empower local businesses, particularly women and youth. It initially created short-term job opportunities and raised expectations for improved infrastructure but those hopes have since faded.

“The contractor vanished months ago without notice. They left behind piles of sand and iron sheets. It’s like they packed up overnight. No explanation, no progress," said David Langat, a boda boda operator.

Residents say the stalled project has deprived them of a critical facility that would have boosted trade and improved hygiene and security for small-scale traders.

“This is not just a construction failure—it’s a blow to the livelihoods of our people. A trader deserves a roof over his or her head. Our youth need work. Government programs must be seen through to completion," said Kiprotich Sang.

“This delay is not just a matter of incomplete infrastructure. It is a denial of Mama Mboga's right to a dignified place of work, a loss of jobs for our young people, and a major setback to the implementation of key government programs meant to uplift the livelihoods of our people,” a local political leader also expressed concern.

“The contractor must either return to the site immediately or prepare to ship out. There will be no room for mediocrity or abandonment when the livelihoods of our people are on the line," the political leader added.