Investors have spent millions of shilling to put buildings such as Mozop Plaza, which cost an estimated Sh100 million, and Club One Hundred Plaza, built at a cost of Sh200 million.
Businesses are now taking up space in the new buildings. Last year, the Mega Centre building was completed at an estimated cost of Sh1 billion, and the Nakumatt supermarket chain has already moved in.
Currently, Sirwo Traders is constructing a new building next to Mid-Africa Hotel in Kitale town. The construction costs for the five-storey building are yet to be disclosed.
Demand for commercial and retail space in the town is being driven by retail shops, supermarkets and education institutions.
“We have rooms for colleges and universities, and small and large scale businesses as well. We urge people who want to let that space is available,” said Lucas Njogu, chairman of Club One Hundred Cooperative Union.
Masinde Muliro University has, for instance, started negotiating with the union to take up space in its new building.
Besides universities, colleges and supermarkets, banks and hospitals are also taking up space for new branches in the town, as competition hots up for the growing population and student numbers.
