The County Government of Mombasa has issued a public notice directing traders operating at Makupa/Majengo Market to vacate the premises within 45 days to pave the way for the construction of a new modern market.
In a notice published by the Department of Trade, Culture and Tourism, the county government instructed all traders to remove and clear their wares from the market within 45 days from the date of the announcement.
The relocation, the notice states, is intended to facilitate the development of a modern trading facility designed to accommodate more vendors and improve working conditions.
According to the county administration, the new market will provide better storage facilities, enhance safety and security for traders and their merchandise, and create a more conducive business environment.
The project is part of the ongoing Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), a flagship initiative aimed at stimulating job creation and promoting small-scale enterprises at both national and county levels.
Traders have been urged to safely pack and remove their belongings from their current stalls and relocate to a temporary open-air market situated near the existing market along Majengo Road. The relocation will be supervised by the County Director of Trade.
The county government indicated that the construction of the modern market is expected to take less than 12 months. Upon completion, priority in the allocation of the new stalls will be given to current traders operating both inside and outside the existing market.
“All affected traders are urged to comply within the stipulated timeframe to avoid enforcement action in accordance with county laws,” the notice read, signalling that failure to vacate could attract legal consequences.
The administration expressed optimism that the project will significantly enhance the trading environment in the area, particularly for small-scale traders who form the backbone of Mombasa’s informal economy. Officials say the redevelopment aligns with broader efforts to modernise market infrastructure across the county and improve service delivery.
The notice was signed by Peter Migosi, the Acting Director of Trade in the Department of Tourism, Culture and Trade, who thanked traders for their anticipated cooperation during the transition period.
The planned redevelopment of Makupa/Majengo Market is expected to temporarily disrupt business operations for hundreds of traders.
However, county officials maintain that the long-term benefits, including expanded capacity and improved facilities, will outweigh the short-term inconvenience.
The relocation marks a significant shift for traders in the area, many of whom have operated in the market for years.
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