By:Faith Mukundi
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has announced that construction of the KSh56 million Kanyoni Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) Market in Gatundu North Constituency, Kiambu County, has reached 80 per cent completion.
The market is among 31 fresh produce markets being constructed across Kiambu County and 500 others nationwide under the government’s plan to provide modern trading facilities for small-scale traders and farmers.
Speaking during an inspection of development projects in Gatundu North on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, Kindiki said the markets were part of the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which prioritises economic opportunities for small businesses.
“Empowering small scale traders through modern trading spaces is part of the Bottom up Transformation Agenda (BETA) priorities,” Kindiki said.
The Kanyoni market is expected to provide traders with improved facilities for selling fresh produce while supporting business activities and access to wider markets.
According to Kindiki, the facility will feature cold storage, meeting halls, restaurants, washrooms, mothers’ rooms for lactating women, a children’s play area and information and communication technology (ICT) hubs to support e-commerce and digital jobs.
The inclusion of cold storage facilities is expected to help traders handling perishable agricultural produce, while the ICT hubs are intended to provide opportunities for digital business activities.
Kindiki also reported that two other markets in Gatundu North and the surrounding area were nearing completion, including Kamwangi and Gatukuyu markets.
The Deputy President cited the projects as part of broader efforts to improve trading infrastructure and create a more supportive environment for small-scale businesses.
The market development programme is part of the government’s wider plan to establish modern facilities where farmers and traders can conduct business in improved conditions.
However, the announcement did not specify the expected opening date for the Kanyoni market or when traders would begin using the completed facilities.
Kindiki inspected the project alongside Gatundu North MP Njoroge Kururia, Thika Town MP Alice Ng’ang’a and other local leaders.