Opening of the New Burnt Forest Market

2009, May 18: Official opening of the rebuilt Burnt Forest market.

Singing group at the Burnt Forest market opening ceremonies.

US Ambassador Ranneberger speaking at the opening ceremony. The new market structure is in the background.

Burnt Forest was a location of extreme violence in late 2007 and early 2008. The main Burnt Forest market was destroyed and largely abandoned by the community, with the Kalenjin and Kikuyu communities trading in different parts of town. In the intervening months, this situation has improved, but full integration has awaited reopening of the community market area centered around the new market buildings.

A Kenya Transition Initiative grant rehabilitated the town market in Burnt Forest that was destroyed in the post election violence. The grant is built upon a KTI grant implemented by Rural Women’s Peace Link (RWPL) that supported dialogues between the Kalenjin and Kikuyu communities in Burnt Forest. The dialogues resulted in the identification of several possible projects that could serve to unite the two communities, including the reconstruction of the Burnt Forest market. The market is controlled by the Town Council of Burnt Forest and its reconstruction represents a major milestone for the Council.