This is the second largest regional trading hub for wholesale and retail in East Africa, after Kongowea market in Mombasa County.
Over 2,000 traders are set to move into the three – storey market in the next two weeks and start their businesses.
The market has since been handed to the County Government of Nyeri which will facilitate in settling of traders.
Karatina hosts the largest open-air market in Kenya and the people are known to be very industrious with most activities starting at 4am and ending at 10pm.
Most of the major banks are represented in the town alongside smaller microfinance institutions indicating a high level of financial turnover.
The name karatina is a diminutive term for muratina, the sausage tree (Kigelia Africana), or its fruit, a key ingredient in the brewing of the popular eponymous traditional alcoholic drink.
Situated in the rich agricultural hinterlands of central Kenya, Karatina was founded in pre-colonial times by Kikuyu women who used to trade their crafts and food under a muratina tree. They would direct each other on where to sell or buy merchandise under the Karatina. The town also served as a meeting place for social and political gatherings.
by: Omoisi