Sakaja Assures Gikomba Traders As Modern Market Construction Begins
News Updated: 14 April 2026 15:12 EAT
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, alongside Housing PS Charles Hinga and other leaders, broke ground for the construction of a brand-new, modern Gikomba Market
Johnson Sakaja has assured traders at Gikomba Market that their interests have been fully considered as the county begins construction of a modern market set to transform one of the city’s busiest trading hubs.
The governor said the project is part of a broader plan to upgrade trading infrastructure in the capital, promising a safer, more organised and dignified working environment for thousands of traders.
The redevelopment follows the clearance of sections of the market to pave the way for a state-of-the-art facility, with county officials maintaining that the move is necessary to address long-standing challenges that have affected operations at the site.
The planned modern market is a joint initiative between the national government and Nairobi City County Government, aimed at modernising key trading centres and boosting small-scale businesses.
According to officials, the new facility will feature multi-storey structures with well-organised stalls, improved drainage systems, proper walkways and enhanced fire safety measures to curb frequent outbreaks that have previously disrupted business.
Gikomba remains one of East Africa’s largest open-air markets, supporting tens of thousands of traders, particularly those dealing in second-hand clothing and household goods.
The project also includes arrangements to temporarily relocate affected traders, with the county government indicating that alternative trading spaces have been provided during the construction period.
Sakaja emphasised that trader welfare is central to the redevelopment, noting that the new market will not only improve working conditions but also enhance business opportunities for traders.
The modernisation is expected to ease congestion and improve accessibility within the area, which has long struggled with overcrowding and inadequate infrastructure.
In addition, the facility will incorporate key amenities such as parking areas, storage spaces and social facilities designed to support both traders and customers.
The Gikomba upgrade forms part of a wider government programme to modernise markets across the country, in a bid to strengthen urban trade and improve economic growth.
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FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD