At the heart of Nakuru city stands the famous Wakulima Wholesalers Market- a lifeline to Nakuru County and her neighbours.

The market which was established by the late President Daniel Moi has over 21 sections, selling different farm produce.

Other markets within the county and beyond heavily depend on it owing to the variety of goods drawn from as far as Uganda and Tanzania.

Read: Difficulties in tea and coffee farming leaves bitter taste in Nakuru farmers' mouths

Traders, mostly women dot the floor of the market dressed in their signature checked aprons.

Mtaa Wangu speaks to Charity Wanjira one of the traders in the market who appreciates the abundance of farm produce thanks to the rainy season.

Charity Wanjira sells avocados at Wakulima market on August 22, 2023.

Photo credit: BRET SANYA/MTAA WANGU

“When the year begun, we had a tough time with regards to supply of avocados which is what I mainly sell. However, with the rains, we have been able to get a good supply and I am very optimistic that the buying price will go down and give us good returns” she adds.

According to another trader Peter Kinuthia, the market business is a volatile one as a slight change in the weather or economy can completely shift the prices and subsequent supply of food.

Peter Kinuthia, a trader at Wakulima market.

Photo credit: BRET SANYA/MTAA WANGU

Kinuthia recalls the COVID 19 period, where traders were relocated from Wakulima market to Afraha stadium, in an attempt to adhere to the Ministry of Health guidelines regarding social distancing.

“We were heavily affected during the Covid-19 period just as everyone was since the market was moved, but now things are looking up and on a positive trajectory,” he says.

Also Read: The love-hate relationship between Molo residents and potato farming

Another group of people who make up the market’s ecosystem are the load carriers fondly referred to as beba.

One such person is Dominic Githinji who admits that despite the loads being heavy, he has no choice but to carry them.

Dominic Githinji has been offloading trucks at Wakulima market for many years.

Photo credit: BRET SANYA/MTAA WANGU

“I have been placing heavy sacks on my shoulders for as long as I can remember. In fact, I have a black spot on my right shoulder and sometimes it goes numb,” he says followed by a chuckle.

Githinji reveals that business has been down lately with only a few lorries arriving at the market.

Watch: The good, the bad and the ugly of potato farming in Molo

“As of now we are suffering because there is no work, you can find one lorry coming in with goods yet there are over 30 people ready to offload the goods but the driver may only need five people. So that becomes a problem.”

Githinji says that he gets paid five shillings per load, therefore the more you carry the better for you.

Francis Karara the Organizing Secretary of the Nakuru Market Wholesalers Association says the main function of this association is to look at the welfare of the traders.

Francis Karara the Organizing Secretary of the Nakuru Market Wholesalers Association displays his maize at Wakulima market on August 22, 2023.

Photo credit: BRET SANYA/MTAA WANGU

Asked about reports of cartels controlling the goods that are sold in the market, Karara says those are empty claims that hold no water.

“Anyone who has farm produce can walk into Wakulima market and sell to whomever they please. There is no interference at all,” he insists.

Related: Farmers in Subukia give tips on the lucrative horticulture business

Karara believes that Wakulima market will continue being a leader in the agribusiness industry both in Rift valley and beyond.

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Inside the market that feeds Nakuru and her neighbours

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Bret Sanya