Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to Kenya’s economic empowerment announcing an ambitious development plan targeting small-scale traders in Kiambu County.
Speaking at St Peters ACK Secordary school on Sunday, he announced the construction of 23 modern markets in the area.
He emphasized a decisive policy shift from elite-focused economic strategies to a “bottom-up” model designed to uplift ordinary Kenyans.
“For a long time, we have focused on big businesses and influential businessmen. Now it is time for those at the bottom.” said Kindiki.
The bottom-up economic model, a flagship promise of the Kenya Kwanza administration, seeks to empower everyday traders.Kindiki said the initiative is targeting mainly mama mbogas (vegetable vendors), boda boda operators, and small-scale entrepreneurs.
The 23 new markets under construction are aimed at giving structural conducive working environment to thousands of informal traders who have long operated in substandard conditions.
The DP didn’t shy away from criticizing those he claims are against the government’s efforts to boost the country’s economy terming them as enemies of developments.
“Those who are opposed to the empowerment of small-scale traders should come out in broad daylight and tell us if they are not enemies of developments,” said Kindiki.
Addressing political tensions in the region, the second in command cautioned leaders against inciting divisions and promoting retrogressive politics which are aimed at dividing Kenyans along tribal lines.
“We cannot accept those inciting hatred, division and retrogressive politics among Kenyans. If you don’t support us, sell your alternative policies. Ours are clear,” he noted.
Kindiki outlined key pillars of the administration’s economic focus by expanding opportunities for small-scale traders, modernizing infrastructure, and improving critical agricultural sectors.
His remarks also carried a message of national unity, with a strong appeal to maintain peace and cohesion across regions.
‘We stand for one Kenya because we know the people of Central Kenya are traders and are found everywhere in Kenya. We want a peaceful Kenya so that our people can live wherever they want in peace and harmony,” he added.
On infrastructure, he confirmed that stalled projects such as the Mau Mau roads will resume, citing newly available funds.
“We have funds to complete Mau Mau roads and others that stalled because we now have funds,” he announced.
The Deputy President’s visit and his commitments were met with enthusiasm by local traders, many of whom see the new markets as a transformative shift in their day-to-day operations.
