The Karatina Marigiti ESP Market in Mathira constituency in Nyeri County./PCS


Residents of Karatina, Mathira constituency in Nyeri County, have lauded President Dr William Ruto for his commitment to the bottom-up economic model following the completion of the Karatina Marigiti ESP market.

The residents, led by their Chairman Nelson Githinji, said the market will provide a decent place for traders to do their business away from the rain and scorching sun, adding that it’s a game changer in as far as modernising the hustle of middle-income traders.

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The Karatina Marigiti ESP Market in Mathira constituency in Nyeri County./PCS

The Karatina Marigiti ESP Market in Mathira constituency in Nyeri County./PCS

The market, which has a capacity to accommodate over 300 traders, comes with a social hall, an ICT center and Childrens play area as well as a special place for breast feeding mothers.

“I am here in Mathira to pay my debt. I am delighted that this ESP market is now complete and ready for occupation. This market will not only serve Farmers and traders from Karatina, it is a major asset for the neighbours in Kirinyaga and Murang’a Counties,” President Ruto said.

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A vegetable stand at the Karatina Marigiti ESP Market in Mathira constituency in Nyeri County./PCS

A trader at her vegetable stand at the Karatina Marigiti ESP Market in Mathira constituency in Nyeri County./PCS
A trader at her fruits stand at the Karatina Marigiti ESP Market in Mathira constituency in Nyeri County./PCS
Fresh onions at the Karatina Marigiti ESP Market in Mathira constituency in Nyeri County./PCS

The market will facilitate longer trading hours, storage and preservation facilities  for fresh produce a s well as other wares .

At the same time the President laid the foundation stone for theKaratina Affordable Housing project, a massive development comprising five residential blocks with a total of 680 housing units.

Once complete, the Estate will comprise 30 One-Room Units; 80 Two-Room Units; 40 Three- Room Units; 90 Studio Units; 190 Two-Bedroom units and 70 Three-Bedroom units  under the Affordable housing typology, 90 Two-Bedroom Market Units and 90 Three-Bedroom Market Units.

President William Ruto and Lands CS Alice Wahome during the launch of Karatina Affordable Housing project on January 12, 2026./PCS


Social amenities include well designed parking facilities, green landscaped spaces, paved walkways, sanitary waste treatment sites, an underground water tank, and a secure boundary wall.

President William Ruto lays a foundation stone during the launch of the Karatina Affordable Housing project on January 12, 2026./PCS

President William Ruto lays a foundation stone during the launch of the Karatina Affordable Housing project on January 12, 2026./PCS

President William Ruto lays a foundation stone during the launch of the Karatina Affordable Housing project on January 12, 2026./PCS

The project has created over 700 jobs for the locals, both directly and indirectly, while the local Jua Kali associations will be onboarded to supply doors and windows.  

The Affordable Housing Programme is a flagship government initiative aimed at delivering decent, dignified housing while driving job creation and local industrial growth. Beyond shelter, the programme stimulates demand for building materials and services across the value chain.