Machakos County unveils cool rooms at Marikiti Market
KENYA – Machakos County, in partnership with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), has unveiled cool rooms at Marikiti Market.
This initiative, led by Governor Wavinya Ndeti, aims to preserve perishable products, reduce waste, and increase traders’ earnings.
Speaking during the launch, Governor Ndeti emphasized the importance of sustainable solutions to food preservation. “This facility is a testament to the strong collaboration between our County and development partners. It will minimize losses and help traders earn more from their produce,” she said.
The facility has been designed to accommodate up to 1,000 standard bread crates, with storage charges determined by crate count and storage duration. The innovative ‘pay-as-you-store’ model integrates a digital system linked to M-Pesa, ensuring seamless stock and payment management.
Ruth Olowa, GAIN’s Country Director, highlighted the broader mission behind the project. “Everyone deserves safe, nutritious food. The cool rooms not only preserve freshness but also ensure that traders and consumers benefit from reduced waste,” she remarked.
A consumer market survey conducted at Marikiti Market revealed that 57% of vendors worried about food safety and business skills, while 44% admitted to discarding unsold produce due to spoilage.
The introduction of the cool rooms directly addresses these concerns by enhancing storage standards and minimizing financial losses.
Professor Jane Ambuko from the University of Nairobi commended the project, emphasizing its potential impact. “Our Postharvest Research Team will work alongside GAIN-Kenya to generate evidence of how this facility reduces food waste and improves profits. This aligns perfectly with Machakos County’s vision: ‘Food on the table, money in the pocket,’” she said in a LinkedIn post.
The success of the cool rooms is set to inspire further development within the county. Governor Ndeti revealed plans to construct 16 modern markets across Machakos, a move expected to create more jobs and bolster the local economy.
“This is just the beginning,” the Governor noted. “We are committed to sustainable development and improving the lives of our residents. The support from our partners and the National Government will enable us to achieve this vision.”
By ensuring access to fresh and affordable produce, the initiative not only supports traders and farmers but also improves consumer access to nutritious food.
The broader implications of this project, including food security and economic growth, are poised to benefit the entire community.
As Professor Ambuko stated, “It is my hope that the stories of impact from Machakos County will inspire other Governors and development partners to replicate this initiative.”
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Kenya’s Machakos County unveils cool rooms at Marikiti Market
KENYA – Machakos County, in partnership with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), has unveiled cool rooms at Marikiti Market.
This initiative, led by Governor Wavinya Ndeti, aims to preserve perishable products, reduce waste, and increase traders’ earnings.
Speaking during the launch, Governor Ndeti emphasized the importance of sustainable solutions to food preservation. “This facility is a testament to the strong collaboration between our County and development partners. It will minimize losses and help traders earn more from their produce,” she said.
The facility has been designed to accommodate up to 1,000 standard bread crates, with storage charges determined by crate count and storage duration. The innovative ‘pay-as-you-store’ model integrates a digital system linked to M-Pesa, ensuring seamless stock and payment management.
Ruth Olowa, GAIN’s Country Director, highlighted the broader mission behind the project. “Everyone deserves safe, nutritious food. The cool rooms not only preserve freshness but also ensure that traders and consumers benefit from reduced waste,” she remarked.
A consumer market survey conducted at Marikiti Market revealed that 57% of vendors worried about food safety and business skills, while 44% admitted to discarding unsold produce due to spoilage.
The introduction of the cool rooms directly addresses these concerns by enhancing storage standards and minimizing financial losses.
Professor Jane Ambuko from the University of Nairobi commended the project, emphasizing its potential impact. “Our Postharvest Research Team will work alongside GAIN-Kenya to generate evidence of how this facility reduces food waste and improves profits. This aligns perfectly with Machakos County’s vision: ‘Food on the table, money in the pocket,’” she said in a LinkedIn post.
The success of the cool rooms is set to inspire further development within the county. Governor Ndeti revealed plans to construct 16 modern markets across Machakos, a move expected to create more jobs and bolster the local economy.
“This is just the beginning,” the Governor noted. “We are committed to sustainable development and improving the lives of our residents. The support from our partners and the National Government will enable us to achieve this vision.”
By ensuring access to fresh and affordable produce, the initiative not only supports traders and farmers but also improves consumer access to nutritious food.
The broader implications of this project, including food security and economic growth, are poised to benefit the entire community.
As Professor Ambuko stated, “It is my hope that the stories of impact from Machakos County will inspire other Governors and development partners to replicate this initiative.”