In the heart of Canaan village, Kanamkemer Ward, Turkana Central, stands a modern market facility that was meant to transform livelihoods; now silent, unused, and raising tough questions about project delivery and accountability.
The Kanamkemer Fresh Produce Market, a project valued at nearly Sh100 million, was financed under the Kenya Devolution Support Programme (KDSP) with support from the World Bank. Designed to boost trade, create jobs, and support agricultural value chains, the facility was expected to serve as a key economic hub for the region.
However, despite official assurances, the project has stalled, long after its anticipated completion and launch dates.
A Project Declared Complete; but Not Operational
In December 2023, the County’s Director of Public Works, Eng. Ignatius Kopeto, indicated that the market was 100% complete and ready for operationalisation. The facility, built on approximately 1.5 acres, includes 112 stalls designed to provide safe and structured trading space for local vendors.
Subsequently that same year, a Contract Implementation Team led by then Acting Director for Economic Planning Francis Lokwar visited the site. County officials unanimously agreed that the project would be finalised by the end of that month, paving the way for an official launch in January 2024.
Yet, months later, the facility remains closed.
Community Frustration Grows
For residents of Kanamkemer, the delay is more than administrative, it is economic.
“The delay in the project’s completion denies the people of Turkana the benefits that come with such a huge investment,” lamented one resident.
The market was expected to create employment opportunities, particularly for youth and women groups, while also serving as a training hub for farmers and agricultural officers. It was envisioned as a centre to enhance skills, promote value addition, and strengthen food systems in the region.
Instead, its inactivity has left traders without improved market access and farmers without a structured outlet for their produce.
Missed Opportunities and Unanswered Questions
The continued dormancy of a fully constructed facility raises critical concerns:
- What is delaying its operationalisation?
- Are there administrative, logistical, or political bottlenecks?
- Who is accountable for the missed timelines?
While the infrastructure stands complete, the absence of services highlights a recurring challenge in public investment, projects that are built but not utilised.
The Kanamkemer market was part of a broader strategy to stimulate local economies and reduce dependency on external markets. Its success would have contributed to food security, improved incomes, and strengthened resilience in a region often affected by climate shocks.
As pressure mounts, residents are now calling on both the County Government of Turkana and national stakeholders to provide clarity and fast-track the operationalisation of the facility.
Until then, the Kanamkemer Fresh Produce Market remains a symbol of promise delayed and opportunity on hold.
