The ‘Soko Mjinga’ Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) Market in Kirenga ward, Lari sub-county, Kiambu County, has reached 97percent completion, with final works expected to conclude in the coming weeks.
Launched by President William Ruto under the National Economic Stimulus Programme, the market is expected to transform trade and improve livelihoods across Kiambu County’s vibrant farming communities.
A delegation from the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Housing, Urban Planning and Public Works, led by Chairman Johana Ng’eno, inspected the project and commended its steady progress.
“The workmanship is very good. Other contractors should adopt this concept when constructing ESP markets,” Ng’eno said during the visit.
The Committee praised the contractor’s efficiency and confirmed that the project has demonstrated clear value for money.
Engineers on site noted that all major civil works and installations have been completed, with only final fittings and inspections pending before handover.
When operational, the ‘Soko Mjinga’ Market will serve as a central hub for agricultural trade, providing modern, safe, and accessible facilities for farmers and traders.
The facility will include ultra-modern stalls with secure storage, cold rooms for perishable produce, lactating rooms, a food court, and an ICT hub to connect traders to digital services.
Additional features include SACCO offices, a social hall, administrative offices, an ATM lobby, and an offsite ablution block equipped for persons with disabilities. A borehole with a 300,000-litre storage capacity has also been installed to ensure a reliable water supply for cleaning and preservation.
“The ‘Soko Mjinga’ ESP Market will unlock greater potential for this region by strengthening agricultural value chains and improving market access. It will link farmers to services, finance, and transport, creating a more efficient ecosystem for local trade,” said Lari Member of Parliament Mburu Kahangara.
Local residents have benefitted from employment opportunities during construction, with most of the workforce drawn from Kirenga ward and neighboring villages. Upon completion, traders currently operating at the old ‘Soko Mjinga’ site will be given first priority for stall allocation.
Mary Wanjiru, a vegetable vendor from the area, welcomed the development saying, “We have waited for this market for years,” she said. “It will give us clean, secure spaces to sell our goods and protect our produce from sun and rain. Customers will also enjoy a better shopping experience,” she added.
The committee’s inspection of ‘Soko Mjinga’ formed part of a five-day oversight tour of Affordable Housing and ESP Market projects across Nairobi and Kiambu counties. Other members present included Kakai Bisau (Kiminini Member of Parliament), Caleb Mule (Machakos Town), Innocent Obiri (Bobasi), and Joshua Kimilu (Kaiti).
Ng’eno concluded by commending the cooperation between national agencies, contractors, and county officials. “The ‘Soko Mjinga’ ESP Market is a model of efficiency and accountability. We look forward to its commissioning very soon,” he said.
The market is expected to be officially completed and handed over next month following a final inspection and issuance of the completion certificate.
By Grace Naishoo
