For decades, fresh produce traders in Suswa, Narok County, have endured the harsh realities of the open-air market, blazing sun, dust, rain, and insecurity, all while holding on to the hope of a dignified, well-equipped space to do business. That long wait is finally over.
On Wednesday, market day in Suswa, a powerful moment of transformation unfolded, a striking image showing the old and new markets side by side. Just a day earlier, President William Ruto officially handed over the newly constructed Suswa Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) Market to the people of Suswa, marking a turning point for over 200 traders who will now operate in a formal, modern environment.
“Sidai oleng,” exclaimed Mateu Ngamasine, a trader, loosely translated to “very beautiful” in the Maasai language. “You can see the difference, outside, is very dusty, when it rains, you sink in the mud, it is also very hot under the sun. Now, we have a clean, organised space. This is a massive shift, the kind of change we have longed for for many years. A truly big change.”
The Suswa market is part of the government’s ambitious plan to construct over 400 modern wholesale and fresh produce markets across the country, one in each constituency. While many are still under construction, the Suswa facility stands as a completed symbol of what that vision can look like when realised.
“We have finally received an ‘office’ for the everyday mama mboga,” said Lilian Saruni, a trader. “For the longest time, we felt left out. This new market gives us respect.”
Traders describe the shift not only as a change in location but as a restoration of dignity.
“This is a miracle for us,” Lilian expressed, “For too long, we have been looked down upon, treated as the lesser traders in this market. This is more than just a good place to work; heshima itarudi sasa – we will get the respect we deserve .”
“Mwenye macho haambiwi tazama, hii soko imeleta mabadiliko” said Rachel Kakusia, another trader. “You do not need to be told what you can see for yourself, this market is a game.”
Equipped with modern amenities, including cold rooms, dry storage, an ICT hub, a kitchen, café, mother-and-baby rooms, a social hall, and an ablution block, the Suswa ESP Market is more than just brick and mortar. It is infrastructure for business, for safety, and for growth.
“We used to run around looking for a toilet and paid Ksh10 to Ksh20 just to relieve ourselves in homesteads bordering the market,” said Siyato Parsintei, a trader. “Now we have clean facilities right here.”
Community representatives believe the market will not only transform trade but also create new opportunities. “This market has the capacity to accommodate everyone,” said Simon Achike, a member of the ESP Market Committee. Josephine Kaleke, a Suswa resident, added, “It will bring in youth, especially with the ICT hall.”
Already, traders like John ole Poroo are looking to secure permanent stalls. “Many people are trying to get a space here,” he said. “I am trying to get a stall as well.”
For residents like Rosyline Simaloi, the market carries a symbolic weight. “We used to call it Soko Mjinga,” she said. “Now we have upgraded to a modern market. I feel happy and content knowing my mother has a decent place to work.”
As the sun sets over the new Suswa ESP Market, the final touches are being made. But this time, the mood is different. Decades of broken promises have given way to a new era, one where hopes once set with the sun are finally rising with the promise of a better tomorrow.
