The newly completed Kamuw’ongo ESP Market in Mwingi North is set to dramatically reduce post-harvest losses for farmers and traders, thanks to its modern cold and dry storage facilities and improved trading infrastructure.

Constructed at a cost of Ksh 59,395,625, the fresh produce market is designed to host 200 traders and support an estimated 1,000 market users.

The ground floor features a mix of open-air spaces and smart stalls, alongside a mother’s room, dry and cold storage areas and other essential service amenities.

In addition, the upper floor includes a social hall, ICT centre, kitchen, and support spaces. The facility is further supported by an ablution block, waste cubicle, and septic tank to ensure hygienic and sustainable operations.

For traders who have operated for years in the old, unfenced market, the new facility represents a transformative shift, especially in protecting produce from spoilage.

Joyce Kaluki, a vegetable farmer and the secretary of Kamuw’ongo Market, described the harsh reality of operating without storage or shelter.

“My name is Joyce Kaluki. This is Kamuw’ongo, Kamuw’ongo Division, Kyuso Sub-County, Mwingi North. I am the secretary for this Kamuw’ongo Market. I have planted some crops in my farm like maize, kale, tomatoes and pepper and I normally sell in our market,” she said.

She explained that the lack of proper storage and protection has been costly for farmers.

“Currently, I operate from the old market, and the situation is not good, unlike this new market, because we normally place our vegetables on the ground, but the new market has stores and raised structures where we put them. It has a shed and we will never operate in the open or in the rain. It is also spacious and will not be crowded like the old market,” she noted.

The absence of a fence at the old market exposed their produce to animals, leading to even more losses.

“The old market did not have a fence, and you need to have a stick in your hand all the time to ward off the goats or else they will eat your tomatoes and kales because it is open and the vegetables are placed on the ground,” she said.

With cold storage now available, farmers expect to preserve fresh produce for longer, avoid spoilage, and sell at better prices.

Kaluki added that the new facility’s design, with raised stalls, storage areas, and shelter, will restore dignity and attract more customers.

“It is going to improve our business because we will be operating in a dignified environment, and many people will be coming. This market was built with very high standards, and it has two floors,” she said.

The market was officially inspected and handed over to the County Government of Kitui by President William Ruto, marking the first time a sitting President has visited the area.

“Women were very happy to see the President here, where he officially handed over the market. Since I was born, we have never seen a President coming here; it was the first time to see the President coming to such a small area like Kamuw’ongo,” Kaluki said.

The new market is expected to boost local commerce, host more than 200 traders, expand youth employment opportunities and unlock the economic potential of Kamuw’ongo.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Kitui Governor Julius Malombe were present during the handover.