Karatina, a town located in the lush agricultural hinterlands of central Kenya, has a fascinating history that spans centuries.
From its humble beginnings as a gathering place under a massive muratina tree to its current status as the largest open-air market in Kenya, the evolution of Karatina is a captivating tale of resilience, adaptation, and growth.
Here is it’s story as told by WoK.
Background
Contrary to popular belief, the name “Karatina” is not derived from the English word “quarantine,” but instead, it is a diminutive term for “muratina” – the sausage tree (Kigelia Africana) or its fruit, a key ingredient in the brewing of the popular traditional alcoholic drink.
Karatina’s roots extend deep into pre-colonial times, as it was founded by resourceful Kikuyu women who traded their crafts and food under a massive muratina tree, and it evolved into a bustling hub of social, political, and economic activity.
In ancient times, Karatina served as a meeting place where Kikuyu women directed each other to buy and sell merchandise.
It also hosted various social and political gatherings, fostering community ties and promoting cultural exchanges.
The town’s significance as a trading post drew the attention of European settlers who moved northward, eventually leading to its establishment as a colonial administrative center in the 1920s.
The influx of European settlers and Indian traders transformed Karatina’s economic landscape, introducing a cash-based economy that eventually led to the commercialization of agriculture.
Indian traders played a significant role in this transformation, and as Karatina flourished within the framework of the colonial system, traditional economic practices gradually declined.
The development of the railway line to Nanyuki in the early 1930s, with the establishment of a permanent railway station in Karatina, acted as a catalyst for accelerated commercialization.
The demand for supplies for the railway station, especially firewood, became a lucrative business for local men.
Many of them transitioned into small retailing, challenging the dominance of Indian shopkeepers.
Over time, a new elite class of entrepreneurs emerged, influencing both commerce and politics in Karatina, and this influence continues to shape the town’s identity today.
World War II brought further changes to Karatina’s economic landscape.
As British troops were stationed in the area, a dried vegetable factory was established in the town to supply the soldiers. Large tracts of land were devoted to vegetable cultivation, boosting the town’s commercial and demographic growth.
The war marked a pivotal point in Karatina’s history, as it became an essential supplier to the British military.
Karatina’s marketplace played a central role in disseminating news and information. In traditional African societies, marketplaces were fluid social places where leaders and administrations found strategic value in sending out essential messages.
Women dominated the marketplace and were seen as effective communicators, spreading news and interacting with visitors.
The town’s strategic location at the crossroads of trade paths facilitated the gathering and dissemination of information from various regions, including Meru, Embu, Kamba land, Nairobi, Mombasa, and Tanganyika.
Until the 1950s, men were excluded from operating at the Karatina market. However, the colonial government’s intervention saw male authority installed at the marketplace.
One of the most remembered figures was Gaching’a, a market regulator from the 1950s, who faced the ire of women traders due to his harshness.
Legend has it that he was cursed and struck with a debilitating disease, perhaps serving as a cautionary tale for those in positions of authority.
Present-day Karatina remains a vibrant town with a bustling open-air market and a hardworking population.
Economic activities begin as early as 4 am and continue until 10 pm, showcasing the town’s industrious nature.
Major banks and microfinance institutions further indicate the town’s high level of financial turnover and growth potential.
With the reopening of the Nairobi-Nanyuki railway and the ongoing construction of the Kenol-Marua superhighway, Karatina is poised to experience further growth and development.
