6,300 Gikomba traders relocated ahead of market upgrade

More than 6,300 traders at Nairobi’s Gikomba market will be issued identification cards to verify genuine occupants and guarantee their allocation of trading spaces once the market’s redevelopment is complete.

The move comes as the government intensifies plans to modernise the country’s largest open-air market under the Nairobi River Regeneration Programme, a multi-billion-shilling initiative aimed at restoring the river ecosystem while improving livelihoods.

Housing and Urban Development Principal Secretary Charles Hinga said 6,372 traders have already been enumerated and temporarily relocated to pave the way for the first phase of construction.

He assured traders that the government will cover all relocation costs.

“Whatever cost that is associated with relocation, the government will meet it. You will not be out of pocket,” Hinga said, noting that traders who have paid about Sh5,000 for temporary stalls and Sh1,500 in additional fees will be reimbursed.

He added that the green card system will streamline the allocation of stalls in the new market and prevent disputes once construction is complete.

Gikomba, described as a regional trading hub serving customers from across East Africa, is expected to benefit from the redevelopment, which aims to address long-standing challenges including frequent fires, flooding, congestion and poor sanitation.

“This is not just about infrastructure. It is about restoring dignity, safety and opportunity for thousands of traders who form the backbone of our economy,” Hinga said.

The new market will feature modern amenities such as proper drainage systems, reliable water and electricity, waste management facilities, cold storage rooms, daycare centres and improved sanitation. Wider access roads and walkways are also planned to ease movement and enhance safety, particularly during emergencies such as fires.

Hinga noted that limited access routes have made it difficult for emergency responders to contain frequent fires at the market.

“To minimise disruption to businesses, the redevelopment is being carried out in phases. Traders have been temporarily moved to designated sites, including areas near the ongoing construction of an amphitheatre under the regeneration programme,” he said.

“Construction of the first phase is expected to take between four and six months, after which traders will begin returning in stages as subsequent sections are completed. The entire riverfront market redevelopment is projected to be completed within a year.”

The project forms part of a broader investment estimated at Sh3.8 billion for infrastructure around the Nairobi River, including sewer systems, public spaces and markets. An additional Sh5 billion is expected to go into fully modernising Gikomba.

“The redevelopment will also improve accessibility and attract more customers, including those who have previously avoided the market due to congestion and poor conditions,” Hinga added.

Gikomba market chairman Mbugua Kibathi dismissed claims of forced evictions, saying traders were given adequate notice and have largely supported the process.

“There is nothing like illegal demolition. We were given notice and we are working with the government. What is coming is a modern market that will benefit all of us,” he said.

Traders’ representatives also expressed confidence that all affected will return to improved trading spaces.

“We have seen the designs, and after six months, every trader will come back to a better and permanent structure,” said Jane Muturi, chairlady of importers in Gikomba market.

The redevelopment is being implemented jointly by the national government, Nairobi County government and Nairobi River Commission as part of efforts to transform the capital’s informal trading spaces into organised, safe and sustainable business hubs.