Farmers and traders in Mwea, Kirinyaga County, are set to benefit from the construction of the Kiumbu Market, under the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP).
The market is expected to serve residents of Mwea as well as the neighbouring Mbeere South Sub-county in Embu County.
Despite the area being semi-arid, many farmers have embraced the cultivation of tomatoes, French beans and green grams, making the region one of the leading producers of horticultural produce.
However, farmers have continued to suffer post-harvest losses due to the lack of a reliable market.
The ongoing construction of a modern market has come as a major relief to horticultural farmers, who have been incurring losses because buyers often avoid the area due to poor infrastructure and lack of trading facilities.
One of the traders, Priscilla Kaveti, said the market will boost farming and business opportunities in the area and spare traders the cost and inconvenience of travelling to Mwea town to sell their produce.
“The new Kiumbu ESP market is expected to significantly benefit local producers by reducing the need to travel to Ngurubani and Mwea town for selling their cash crops, as Kiumbu is a hub for vegetables and milk production.”
She noted that once completed, the market will benefit traders from Kirinyaga and neighbouring regions, including Kasolere, Kangeta and Mbeere South in Embu County.
Kaveti also welcomed the tarmacking of the Piai–Kiumbu–Ndindiruku road, saying it has significantly improved transport and accessibility. Previously, vehicles could not reach the area due to the poor state of the road.
Another trader, Simon Ndichu, said the new market and improved road network will open up the semi-arid region, enabling farmers to fully benefit from their agricultural activities.
He added that the market’s modern design will provide a conducive trading environment and attract more traders.
“The market is going to be good because it is designed to have a food market and livestock trading area; hence, it will attract more people, even from far off places.
The Kiumbu ESP Market, being constructed through a partnership between the national government and the Kirinyaga County Government, is also expected to create employment opportunities for local youth.
By Mutai Kipng’etich
