City Park Market, located on Limuru Road in Nairobi, Kenya, has been a crucial trading hub since its founding in 1932. The market serves as a central point for small-scale traders and vendors who rely on its ecosystem for their daily business operations. It is directly connected to several farming communities, including Kinungi, Kimende, and Ndenderu, which produce a variety of fresh agricultural goods such as arrowroots, bananas, potatoes, beans, onions, maize, and peas.

With a monthly trade potential of $650,000, City Park Market is an economic powerhouse that facilitates transactions for over 1,000 vendors every month. The market is home to more than 200 available shops and stalls and supports a vast network of 50,000+ farmers and traders who rely on it for their livelihood.

Market Leadership and Administration

The market is led by Daniel Kahura, who plays a crucial role in overseeing its operations. The market also has administrative officials, including Florence Ng’endo (Secretary) and Anthony Chira (Treasurer), who help manage its financial and operational aspects. Additionally, City Park Market works closely with Amana Market, an online platform that allows vendors to access pricing information and trade digitally.

Trade and Digital Performance

City Park Market experiences substantial trade activity, with a weekly trade volume reaching 70 million Ksh in December 2024.

Investment Opportunities

City Park Market presents several key investment opportunities for local and international investors:

1. Digital Transformation – Currently, only 16% of vendors are signed up on Amana Market, and online purchasing remains at 0.01%. Expanding digital trade solutions and financial management tools could significantly boost transaction volumes.
   
2. Market Expansion and Infrastructure Development – With over 1,000 vendors and 50,000 farmers in its network, there is potential for further expansion through improved storage facilities, enhanced logistics, and better infrastructure for traders.
   
3. Financial Inclusion and Credit Facilities – The market has demonstrated good performance on credit, indicating that structured financial solutions could further stabilize its economy and create opportunities for growth.
   
4. Women Empowerment in Trade – 63% of traders in January 2025 were women, highlighting the potential for gender-focused financial programs, business training, and investment in female-led enterprises within the market.
   

Next Steps

City Park Market is a vital hub for agricultural trade in Nairobi, with a strong market network and significant economic potential. While it faces some operational challenges, these also present opportunities for investors to introduce digital trading solutions, financial management tools, and infrastructural upgrades. By leveraging technology and structured financial models, City Park Market can achieve sustained growth and remain a key trading hub in East Africa.