Two new modern markets are being constructed by the County Government of Kirinyaga to
support farmers to upscale horticulture farming near completion.
The two markets — Togonye and Riakiania — will provide farmers a central place to
aggregate and sell their fresh produce.
Governor Anne Waiguru said the new markets will also help in the elimination of middlemen
and reduction of post-harvest losses.
The markets with a capacity to accommodate about 2000 traders target the local
residents and will be a great relief to tomato, rice, avocado, and other fresh produce farmers.
The facilities have modern social amenities such as toilets, car parks, adequate water
supply, proper storm water drainage as well as adequate lighting system that will lead to
the extension of transaction hours. The markets will also be fenced to enhance
security.
Waiguru said together with other markets that were constructed earlier, the facility will
further support agro-processing industries at the upcoming Sagana Industrial Park in of
easy aggregation of the agricultural produce.
“My administration will continue supporting farmers to upscale farming as well as
provision of favorable marketing environment,” she said.
Togonye and Riakiania markets bring to 17, the number of markets that Governor
Waiguru’s administration has built in the last three years. Others are Makutano,
Wang’uru, Kutus, Kerugoya, Kianyaga, Kagumo, Kiamutugu, Kagio Fresh Produce
market and Kagio Clothes Market, Kibingoti, Sagana, Karumandi, Githure and Gathoge.
“We have also successfully lobbied the National Government for the construction of
another three markets in Kiburu, Kimbimbi and Mukarara to bring the total to 21 markets
against our target of 25 aggregation centres across the County,” Waiguru said.
County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Livestock, Veterinary
and Fisheries Dr. John Gachara said the markets will serve as a crucial hub for both
traders and farmers, facilitating the shift from subsistence to commercialized farming.
Gachara said the construction of additional markets and aggregation centers has helped
farmers earn more from their produce as has reduced the cost of transportation, post-
harvest losses and provided a direct link between farmers and traders thus doing away
with middlemen.
“Construction of all these markets by Governor Waiguru is meant to help farmers earn
more from their produce to improve their livelihood,” Gachara said.
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Murinduko Member of the County Assembly (MCA) Charles Nyamu said the market will
also offer a big relief to traders who did not have a central place to sell their goods. He
said that apart from offering farmers a place to aggregate their produce, the market will
also boost revenue collection for the county as it will bring in traders from far and wide.
The MCA pointed out that the market will play a pivotal role in boosting the local
economy and generating job opportunities.
“This project not only ensures financial benefits for produce sellers in the market but
also, with approximately 1000 traders transacting, it will catalyze the growth of small–
scale businesses, including clothing stores and hotels in the area,” he said.
Geoffrey Maina, a trader at Togonye, said for a long, they faced many challenges
selling their wares which included being rained on in and dirty environment, lack of
washrooms and clean water which are essentials for a conducive environment for
business.
“We are happy that final this promise by our Governor Anne Waiguru to build us a
the market has been fulfilled, as traders we excited and we look forward to its completion,”
he said.
Faith Wangari, the chair lady of Togonye Market, echoed Maina's sentiments,
expressing their joy, particularly about having a shelter that shields them from harsh
weather condition like rain and sun. She emphasized the significance of the security
lighting, providing residents with a sense of assurance regarding their safety.
Kamau Murigu, a trader at Riakiania market, underscored the notable progress in the
construction of the market, saying the new facility will be a big sigh of relief to traders
who for long had to wade in mud to sell their wares.
“We anticipate more traders and buyers will troop in once the market is completed. Our
expectations are high in terms of selling more bananas, avocados, and macadamia
nuts, ultimately contributing to increased income in our pockets and the flourishing of
our businesses,”Murigu said.
“We are happy that finally the promise from our Governor to build us a market has been
fulfilled. We have endured challenging conditions, staying in the mud and under trees.
This market will not only give us profits but also grow the population in the area,” said
Grace Karimi, another trader at the market.
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