This study is as a result of the imposing market structures both in rural and urban areas that despite being completed stand vacant. These structures are spread across all the counties in the country, as a result of the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) initiated by the Kenya Government in 2009. This was to be achieved by the construction of one produce market in each of 210 Constituencies at an estimated cost of Kshs 10 million per Constituency (Economic Stimulus Programme, 2009/2010).

From the point of view of an Architecture student, the author seeks to understand the architectural shortcomings of the initial blueprint to cause non- occupancy by vendors across the country. The author seeks to study the marketing system and market infrastructure requirements to ensure a successful market.

The purpose of this study is to determine the performance of County Government ESP projects in reference to markets in Kirinyaga and Nyeri counties in Kenya. The markets in question include Kimbimbi Market in Kirinyaga County, Othaya Wholesale Market and Kamakwa Market in Nyeri County. It has been noted that there are questions whether any consultation or feasibility studies were carried out before the construction of the markets. The literature reviewed highlights the importance of involvement of market users; the community, producers, traders and consumers. A market, however well built, will fail if the users do not want to use it.