Youth Employment Surges as Iten Modern Market Transforms Local Economy

NAIROBI, Kenya, April 29 – In the heart of Iten, a bustling modern market construction site has become more than just a development project. It has become a lifeline for hundreds of young people who once struggled to find purpose and employment in the region.

For 24-year-old Victor Kibet, a resident of Iten, the project represents a dramatic personal transformation.

When he first arrived at the site nine months ago, he was an unskilled young man with no formal training, pushing a small hand truck to move materials around the construction area.

Today, he confidently operates heavy machinery, including concrete mixers and forklifts, skills he never imagined he would possess.

“This modern market project has brought many benefits to us young people,” Kibet said, his voice filled with pride. “At this time, it does not make us idle. We do not think about using drugs. The government has actually got us off the street.”

The employment structure is deliberately inclusive, prioritising local talent. The site management confirms that the majority of workers are recruited from Iten and the surrounding environment, spanning unskilled labourers, skilled workers, and specialised personnel.

External labour is only brought in when highly specialised expertise is required.

“We majorly employ workers basically from the region,” the site clerk, Philemon Koech, explained. “Most of the time, we only request an external skill set when we need more specialised personnel on site. But basically, our site employs people from within the area.”

The round-the-clock work schedule reflects the urgency to meet project timelines as stipulated in the contract documents.

This intensive schedule ensures a steady income for workers while accelerating the delivery of the market facility to the people.

Kibet explains the skills and income he has gained have allowed him to support his young family, including paying school fees for his daughter, without the stress of falling behind on payments.

“I have a little girl, and it has helped me,” he shared. “We have not had any problems with the landlord, nor have I had any problems with the teachers. The project has helped me a lot.”