Mombasa and one of the Country’s oldest market, Mackinnon, has been refurbished to a modern State- of- the- Art facility with modern toilets, parking, tarmacked roads, freezers, and other equipment to store meat and vegetables to facilitate a 24 hours’ operation.
Speaking yesterday during the launch, Mombasa Governor Hassan Ali Joho, said it has been hard and trying for many, especially the traders after the coronavirus pandemic struck, forcing the closure of the historic market, however, it gave the government an opportunity to carry out the much needed facelift.
Joho said the market is a historical tourism attraction at the center of the coastal city that attracts tourists from around the world since it was built in 1914 hence being one of the pioneer markets in the country.
“Our intention was to upgrade it to a new ultra-modern market with parking, feeder roads, modern toilets, freezers , provide around the clock security and electricity among others to fit a world class fresh vegetable and meat market in the robust coastal city Mombasa,” said the Governor
The Governor said the traders in the market will have six months rental arrears waiver since March due to the economic hardships occasioned by the Coronavirus pandemic which will allow them to recover from the losses made.
The Governor said the traders were plunged into hardships from the covid-19 pandemic that saw the market closed for 90 days since it is part of Mombasa Old town that was under strict cessation of movement and there was no need for traders to pay for the period they were not trading.
He said there are some traders who have not been able to revive their businesses even after the reopening and pledged Sh.30,000 revolving fund to each trader from the County to help them regain stability in their businesses.
“We have millions of money in the County Government under the revolving fund to help you start or continue with businesses, therefore, I call upon you to apply and I guarantee, you will be granted the funds to carry out business,” assured the governor
Joho also took note of the hawkers who have been affected by the pandemic and asked them to apply for the funds to establish permanent businesses, saying his government will identify a road that will be permanently closed for motorists to allow them trade without current challenges they go through.
