Nairobi Welcomes First Certified Farmers Market, Linking Growers Directly to Urban Consumers
NAIROBI — In a landmark move for urban food systems, Nairobi has officially opened its first certified farmers market, creating a vital new platform for smallholder producers to sell fresh, local produce directly to city dwellers. The market, launched in partnership with the Nairobi City County and supported by the World Farmers Markets Coalition, establishes a dedicated, regulated space where consumers can trace their food directly to the farm, ensuring freshness, fair prices for producers, and bolstering the regional agricultural economy. This initiative marks a significant step in reconnecting urban populations with the source of their food while supporting sustainable farming practices.
Held in a central, accessible location, the weekly market features dozens of stalls manned by farmers from Kiambu, Murang’a, Machakos, and other neighboring counties. The vendors offer a vibrant array of freshly harvested vegetables, fruits, herbs, eggs, and dairy products, many of them organic or grown using eco-friendly methods. A key requirement for participation is that all sellers are the actual producers, eliminating middlemen and allowing farmers to retain a significantly larger portion of the revenue. For the first time, I am selling my kale and avocados directly to the person who will cook them. I see their smile, I get their feedback, and I earn what my hard work is truly worth, said Grace Wanjiku, a farmer from Limuru.
The market’s launch has been met with enthusiastic response from both producers and a growing base of health-conscious, ethically-minded consumers. The quality and taste are incomparable to what we find in supermarkets. Knowing exactly where my food comes from and supporting local families makes all the difference, noted John Omondi, a regular customer. County officials highlighted the market’s role in promoting food security, reducing the carbon footprint associated with long-distance food transport, and providing a model for transparent, accountable food retail that can be replicated in other city sub-counties.
The future success of this pilot project is seen as a blueprint for expanding similar markets across Nairobi and other major Kenyan cities. Organizers plan to introduce digital pre-ordering systems and educational workshops on nutrition and sustainable agriculture for shoppers. By creating a reliable, fair-trade outlet for small-scale farmers, the market initiative aims to strengthen local food sovereignty, improve farmer incomes, and offer Nairobians a vibrant community hub centered on fresh, local food. Its growth will be closely watched as a sustainable alternative within the national food supply chain.