This busy and crowded open air market is called Karatina. The market’s name originated from barter trade that took place under a tree called muratina in pre-colonial era. This is a popular market not only in Kenya but also in East Africa. It is also the second largest open air market in Africa. It’s strategically located approximately 20km away from Nyeri town and 130km from Nairobi Central Business District. To access it, one uses Thika superhighway all the way to Nyeri and alights at Karatina main stage and finally walks near Kenya Commercial Bank, Karatina branch.
It has 3 entry gates that allows its smooth operations. The market is well known for selling the best fresh groceries of all kinds. It also has affordable second hand clothes (mitumba), electronic gadgets, basket made from sisal (ciondos) and furniture among others. It was once closed for renovations that were featuring its upgrade to a modern market that contains parking spaces and stalls. The market is open not only to Kenyans but also to foreigners.
Content created and supplied by: LeeKy (via Opera
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