The Nyambari Economic Stimulus Program (ESP) Market along the busy Nakuru-Nairobi Highway, whose construction is underway, is expected to transform agricultural produce trade in Lari Constituency.
Once complete, the facility will definitely offer a ready market for agricultural commodities, thus reducing post-harvest losses and creating new economic opportunities for farmers and traders.
The modern market, located at Nyambari, a few kilometers from Nairobi, is among key government projects being implemented under President William Ruto’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
BETA aims to spur grassroots economic growth through strategic investments in infrastructure and enterprise development.
Lari Member of Parliament Mburu Kahangara said the project will provide a structured and efficient trading environment in a region known for its high agricultural productivity, ensuring farmers secure better returns from their produce.
Speaking during a tour of the site, the legislator noted that for many years, farmers in the area have faced challenges related to inadequate storage facilities, unstructured markets, and limited access to value-enhancing services, resulting in significant losses and reduced earnings.
“The Nyambari ESP Market is designed to bridge the gap between production and the marketplace by creating a modern facility that supports efficient trade and value addition within the local economy,” said Kahangara.
The market will feature cold storage facilities aimed at preserving perishable produce and reducing post-harvest losses, a major challenge affecting smallholder farmers across the country. It will also include designated trading zones.
In addition, the facility will house an integrated Information and Communication Technology (ICT) center and financial service spaces to promote digital commerce and financial inclusion among traders and entrepreneurs.
The MP said the inclusion of such facilities is expected to empower youth and women-led enterprises by enhancing access to financial services, market information, and digital trading platforms.
Economic experts have identified modern markets as critical infrastructure in strengthening agricultural value chains by linking producers directly to consumers and buyers while minimizing inefficiencies that often lead to wastage and income loss.
Beyond trade, the market will incorporate social amenities, including a mother care unit and modern sanitation facilities, underscoring efforts to make public marketplaces more inclusive, safe, and user-friendly for all traders.
Kahangara said the project reflects the government’s commitment to equitable development and accountable delivery of public projects, adding that oversight measures have been put in place to ensure quality standards and operational efficiency.
Upon completion, the market is expected to stimulate local commerce, create employment opportunities, and reinforce Lari’s position as a key agricultural and trading hub along the Nakuru-Nairobi transport corridor.
By Grace Naishoo
