The county government of Kirinyaga has added more markets in bid to spur economic growth in the region. The county is building four additional markets bringing to 15 the number of modern markets that Governor Anne Waiguru’s administration has built in a span of three years. The main beneficiaries of the markets that are under construction in Githure, Gathoge, Karumandi and Makutano are avocado and tomato farmers.
Some of the markets that have been completed and in use are Kagio, Kutus, Kerugoya, Makutano, Wang’uru, Kagumo, Kianyaga, Kiamutugu, Sagana and Kibingoti. The new markets are meant to offer a conducive environment for farmers to aggregate their crop for marketing purposes.
Boost in livelihood
The farmers currently sell their produce in open air markets, exposing it to harsh weather conditions that may lead to some of it getting spoilt, hence depreciating in value. These markets have come at a time when the county government, through the Wezesha Kirinyaga economic empowerment programme, is supporting farmers’s groups to increase agricultural production with the aim of improving their livelihoods.
The farmers are being supported to undertake various projects in poultry, avocado, tomato and dairy value chains, hence the market have become an integral part of the entire agricultural value chain. Bancy Waithira, a trader at Githure market, said that she looks forward to its completion, which will be a great relief to them since they have been selling their produce under very harsh conditions.
“We are forced to spend money to bring produce to the market and we have to take the surplus back home since we have nowhere to store it,” she said.
