The government has officially opened the Diani Modern Market in Mvindeni, Kwale County, marking another milestone in its efforts to improve market infrastructure and strengthen small businesses under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
According to Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, the facility became fully operational after it was commissioned by President William Ruto in May 2026.
New market to accommodate over 200 traders
Constructed by the State Department for Housing and Urban Development, the market has 219 stalls designed to serve hundreds of traders, including fresh produce vendors, mama mboga operators and other small-scale businesses.
“Developed by the State Department for Housing and Urban Development, the modern facility provides 219 stalls and accommodates hundreds of traders, including fresh produce vendors, mama mboga operators and other small businesses that drive the local economy,” Omollo said.
The government says the project is intended to improve trading conditions while creating more opportunities for entrepreneurs in the coastal region.
Traders already benefiting
Omollo said traders have already begun operating from the facility, which offers a cleaner, safer and better-organised environment compared to traditional open-air markets.
“Traders are already benefiting from a clean, organized and secure trading environment that has enhanced business operations and expanded economic opportunities,” he said.
Officials believe the improved infrastructure will help businesses grow while enhancing customer experience.
Market offers more than trading stalls
Beyond retail space, the market has been equipped with several support facilities aimed at improving efficiency and reducing post-harvest losses.
Among the amenities are cold storage facilities, ICT spaces, mothers’ rooms, a food court and a social hall, all designed to create a more inclusive business environment.
“The market goes beyond commerce by integrating essential support amenities, including cold storage facilities, ICT spaces, mothers’ rooms, a food court and a social hall, creating a more efficient and inclusive business environment while reducing post-harvest losses and improving market access,” Omollo said.
Part of wider development projects at the Coast
The Diani Modern Market is one of several government infrastructure projects currently being implemented across Kenya’s Coast region.
The government is also constructing a modern fisheries hub at the Kilifi Central Fish Landing Site, which will feature cold storage facilities, fish handling equipment, solar-powered energy systems and modern market infrastructure.
According to Omollo, the fisheries hub is expected to improve fish handling, promote value addition and expand market access while creating employment opportunities for local communities and supporting the region’s growing blue economy.
