Gikomba Market chairperson Mbugua Kibathi defends market demolitions

Gikomba Market chairperson Mbugua Kibathi has defended the ongoing demolitions, insisting the exercise is lawful and agreed upon by traders.

Kibathi dismissed claims that the demolitions are being carried out illegally, maintaining that the process is voluntary and follows prior consultations with traders and government agencies.

“I hear some people say that it is illegal demolition, there is nothing like illegal demolitions. For us, it is voluntary, you just shift yourself,” he said.

His remarks come amid heightened tensions at the market, where some traders have protested against the redevelopment plan under the Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Programme, accusing authorities of forceful evictions and the imposition of new relocation charges.

However, Kibathi rejected the narrative of forced evictions, saying traders were issued with a 30-day notice to vacate affected areas and had been engaged throughout the process.

“We were given a 30-day notice to evacuate. Those affected are ignorant,” he said, adding that leaders had reached an understanding with the Nairobi River Commission to ensure no trader would be left stranded.

“We agreed with the Nairobi River Commission that nobody will be evicted without being shown where to go,” he added.

The chairperson expressed confidence that traders would comply with the relocation plan, noting that many were already prepared to resume business in the designated areas.

“Our traders are willing to shift and very ready to work. From tomorrow morning, you will see them at their places of work,” he said, adding that resistance was largely driven by cartels occupying certain sections of the market.

“The stalls that have not been demolished are for those cartels,” he alleged.

Kibathi also addressed negotiations surrounding the controversial 50-metre riparian boundary, which initially threatened to displace a significant number of traders. He said a compromise had been reached to safeguard livelihoods while allowing redevelopment to proceed.

“The initial 30-metre radius meant that all the traders that operate there were to go home, but I could not accept that as the chairman,” he said.

“We then sat down with a multi-agency team and saw it wise to have an additional 20 metres that will accommodate all of us, those from 30 metres and those from 20 metres.”

Under the revised plan, the 30 metres closest to the river will remain untouched, while the additional 20 metres will be used to construct a modern market to accommodate affected traders.

The redevelopment is part of a broader government initiative aimed at restoring the Nairobi River while improving infrastructure and safety within surrounding markets. Principal Secretary for Housing Charles Hinga has defended the project, citing long-standing challenges such as fires, flooding and congestion at Gikomba.

Hinga has also addressed traders’ concerns over relocation costs, pledging that the government will cover all expenses related to the move.

“Whatever cost that is concerning your relocation, the government of Kenya is going to meet it. You will not be out of pocket,” the PS said.

Despite these assurances, scepticism remains among some traders, particularly over implementation and transparency of the process.

Nonetheless, Kibathi maintained that the redevelopment is in the best interest of traders and urged them to support the initiative.

He expressed optimism that the project would ultimately deliver a safer, more organised trading environment while preserving livelihoods within one of Kenya’s largest informal markets.