President William Ruto officially laid the foundation stone for the Mbale Modern Strategic ESP Market on March 19, 2026, starting a Sh300 million project that will transform trade in Mbale town. The new two-storey complex is designed to replace congested trading spaces and will host over 1,000 traders in a structured, organized environment.
Construction is underway and the market is expected to become a modern urban hub for Vihiga County. The project blends commerce with technology through a dedicated ICT hub and includes inclusion features such as a lactating mothers' crèche and toddlers' playroom to support women traders.
The Mbale Modern Strategic ESP Market will feature modern infrastructure designed to support over 1,000 traders. Key amenities and facilities include:
- A two-storey structure hosting over 1,000 traders in organized stalls.
- A dedicated ICT hub enabling traders to access online markets and financial systems.
- A lactating mothers' crèche and toddlers' playroom to support women traders.
- A 30,000-litre solar-powered water system and modern ablution blocks.
- 24/7 CCTV surveillance and perimeter fencing for enhanced security.
- A social hall for community events and dedicated market management offices.
Official Response
The project is led by the Vihiga County Government under the "Vihiga Rising" agenda and includes dedicated market management offices, a 30,000-litre solar-powered water system, modern ablution blocks and a social hall for community events. Security will be enhanced with 24/7 CCTV surveillance and perimeter fencing.
County officials have not released a full completion date or detailed budget breakdown at the time of publication. Authorities had not yet released an official statement at the time of publication. [Official Statement Link Placeholder]
Local trader associations and market committees told our reporter they have been briefed on registration plans and are preparing for stall allocation once construction reaches the fitting-out stage. A county business official said officials had requested that market management prioritize fair stall assignment and transparent registration procedures.
Why This Matters
The mega market addresses long-standing congestion in Mbale's trading spaces and creates space for small-scale vendors and larger businesses to operate safely. It introduces a new trade model that blends commerce with technology via a dedicated ICT hub, enabling traders to access online markets and financial systems. Inclusion features like a lactating mothers' crèche and toddlers' playroom support women traders, particularly "Mama Mboga," who form the backbone of the local economy.
- Over 1,000 traders in a structured, organized two-storey environment.
- ICT hub connecting traders to online markets and digital financial services.
- Crèche and playroom supporting women traders and their families.
- Solar-powered water system, modern ablution blocks and social hall.
- 24/7 CCTV surveillance and perimeter fencing for trader security.
Beyond immediate trading benefits, the project represents a significant urban development investment for Vihiga County. When completed, it is expected to reduce informal roadside vending, improve sanitation and create a safer, more regulated commercial environment that attracts regional buyers and supports local economic growth.
Community Impact or Background Context
The project is central to transforming Mbale into a regional commercial powerhouse and is projected to create hundreds of jobs during construction and after completion. However, the development has required demolition of older structures, forcing some traders to relocate abruptly. While many residents welcome the promise of progress, the displacement remains sensitive and has sparked debate about balancing development with fairness and inclusion.
Traders who operated in the demolished structures report losing daily income during the transition and say they are awaiting clear communication about compensation and priority stall allocation. Community elders note that previous market upgrades in neighboring towns have sometimes favored well-connected applicants, leaving small-scale vendors marginalized.
Some community elders say the project should force a reckoning about how the county manages trader displacement during major developments. They argue that relocation support should be treated as a priority, not an afterthought, to prevent similar hardships during future infrastructure projects.
Youth groups and women trader associations in the area have also called for transparent registration processes and reserved stalls for vulnerable groups, saying that many market upgrades exclude the very vendors they claim to help. They say cooperation between county officials, traders and community leaders is essential if the market is to become truly inclusive.
Safety & Prevention
During construction and after completion, traders and visitors should follow site safety rules and stay within designated public areas. Use provided ablution blocks and water points safely, and participate in market registration and follow management guidance for orderly operations. Report safety concerns or security issues to market management or police. Traders displaced by demolition should contact county social services or market management for relocation assistance and compensation processes.
- Follow site safety rules and stay within designated public areas at all times.
- Use provided ablution blocks and water points safely and hygienically.
- Participate in market registration and follow management guidance for orderly operations.
- Report safety concerns or security issues to market management or police promptly.
Community members can push for transparent allocation processes and fair compensation for displaced traders. Where local budgets allow, the county could consider temporary trading spaces during construction to protect livelihoods. If you experience unfair treatment or safety concerns during relocation or registration, contact county social services or market management immediately.
What Happens Next
Construction will continue as the county prepares occupancy plans and trader registration for the new stalls. The ICT hub and social hall will be integrated into the market's operations once the structure is complete. County officials will likely announce timelines for stall allocation and management procedures. Details remain developing and completion dates will be confirmed by the county. [Official Statement Link Placeholder]
Details remain developing and readers should expect updates as county officials and construction teams provide further information. For now, the community waits for answers — about stall allocation timelines, compensation for displaced traders, and whether the market will truly deliver the inclusive economic transformation officials have promised.
Share Your Thoughts
We would like to hear from you.
- What support should displaced traders receive to relocate smoothly into the new market?
- How can the new ICT hub help small traders in Mbale grow their businesses and access better markets?
- Have you or someone you know been affected by market redevelopment or displacement in Vihiga County?
For official updates or relocation assistance, traders are advised to contact the Vihiga County Government market project office.