The newly opened Ruiru Fish Market is transforming the way fish is traded in Kiambu County, offering a cleaner, safer, and more profitable environment for both vendors and farmers.
Located at the heart of the bustling Ruiru Market, the facility is drawing hundreds of customers daily and breathing new life into the county’s aquaculture sector. Funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and Norway’s development agency NORAD, the project was developed under the Aquaculture Business Development Programme (ABDP) and implemented by the Kiambu County Department of Agriculture through the Fisheries Directorate.
The market is equipped with tiled counters for hygienic handling, cold storage to preserve freshness, and an organised layout to ease operations for sellers and buyers alike.
“The Ruiru fish market is not just a trading centre; it’s a beacon of economic opportunity and nutritional well-being,” said Raphael Kasiu, the county’s Fisheries Development Officer. “Local farmers are now at the centre of meeting the growing demand for fresh fish.”
For vendors like Esther Wanjiru, who has traded in Ruiru for over a decade, the change is transformative. “Before, we worked under umbrellas with no proper storage. Fish spoiled in the sun, and we lost money. Now we have clean stalls, ice storage, and more customers. Business is better, and so is our dignity,” she said.
Stocking popular species such as tilapia, catfish, and Nile perch from local farms, the market shortens the supply chain, boosting farmer earnings while keeping prices fair for consumers.
The initiative also supports the county’s “Eat More Fish” campaign, which promotes fish as an affordable, nutritious protein source. Governor Kimani Wamatangi hailed the market as proof that collaboration and smart investment can drive socio-economic growth.
Residents are encouraged to visit the market, support local producers, and enjoy fresher, healthier meals.
