This archive report was first published on 7 July 2021.
On July 7, 2021, Nairobi City Hall officials, along with state department representatives, began a two-day session to develop the National Markets Development Policy in Kenya and make recommendations on the Smart Markets concept.
The workshop, organised by the State Department for Housing and Urban Development in partnership with the Eastern Africa Grain Council, with support from the Rockefeller Foundation, brought together stakeholders in Naivasha to discuss the policy.
Winfred Gathagu, the Chief Executive Committee (CEC) member for Commerce, Tourism, and Cooperatives, highlighted the importance of the new policy, stating that it would help improve various upgrade activities that would change how markets are managed in the city.
“Currently, there are about 50 formal County-owned markets in Nairobi City and 100 informal markets. Therefore, the National Markets Development Policy seeks to standardise and formalise markets across the counties, enhance synergies amongst traders, trade associations, and regulators,” she said.
The policy aims to introduce gender-friendly infrastructure, food value addition, and storage facilities to ensure commodities availability all year round. It also seeks to zone and segregate markets, introduce nurseries for nursing mothers, and improve accessibility for people with disabilities.
Nairobi City Hall is also working on developing Market Management models applicable to existing markets and new upcoming markets.
“This policy is aimed at creating physical, environment, and business-friendly trading infrastructure, enhance functionality and utilisation of public markets and trading facilities, inculcate and strengthen entrepreneurial skills among traders, and establish cohesive and effective management models for public markets,” said Gathagu.
