Maasai market opens in Kitengela

A man displays his artifacts in maasai market at Sarit Centre.A market that will help local maasai women to sell their ornaments to tourists and locals has was opened in Kitengela on Saturday. Photo/FILE  NATION MEDIA GROUP

By PONCIANO ODONGO

In Summary

• The maasai market was opened on Saturday in Kajiado
• More such markets will be set up in areas such as Namanga, Loitokitok and Nairobi National parks

A market that will help local maasai women sell their ornaments to tourists and locals has been opened at Kitengela town.

While officially opening the market, to be known as Maasai market, on Saturday in Kajiado, County deputy governor, Paul Ntiati, urged the Maasai women to take advantage of the market and form groups to benefit from the funds given by the government, banks and Microfinance institutions to grow their businesses.

“This is a great opportunity to all Maasai women to grow their ornament businesses for local consumption and export market; I would like to urge all to take advantage to form groups that will encourage much more investments,” said Mr Ntiati.

The Kajiado county deputy governor who was flanked by Kajiado East legislator Peris Tobiko and Kajiado County Trade Minister Florence Mutua said that the county government will seek partnership with the National Government through the ministry of trade to build such markets across the county in tourist attraction sites.

The markets will be set up in areas such as Namanga, Loitokitok and Nairobi National parks that extends to parts of Kajiado to boost the enterprises locally.

The Kajiado county trade minister, Florence Mutua, said that the initiative that was being supported by Enai Africa is a boon to all the women working hard in craft industry.

“We really laud Enai Africa for such initiative we believe that by being innovative and coming up with unique products women will earn and participate in building of the economy,” said Florence Mutua.

The market that will be open to women every Friday in Sandalwood grounds in Kitengela will see women sell ornaments, craft works traditional clothes, traditional songs that have been attractive to foreigners.

Enkai Africa a local NGO will play a role in opening the markets for the products abroad.

“We have already identified partners abroad who will market local products in United Kingdom, USA, Norway and Canada,” said CEO Enai Africa, Lanoi Parmuat