Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has issued an update on the ongoing construction of the new Gikomba Market in Nairobi.
In a statement on Wednesday, August 19, PS Omollo said the market is being transformed into a modern commercial complex.
He noted that three massive storey blocks have already been constructed, with roofing and internal installations currently underway.
“Following the initial clearance of informal timber structures along the Nairobi River corridor earlier this year, Phase One of the project is advancing well.
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“Three massive multi-storey market blocks have risen on site, with roofing and internal installations underway,” read the statement.
PS Omollo mentioned that the first phase of the project will provide well-ventilated and numbered multi-level stalls for up to 7,000 traders, including a dedicated fish-processing zone serving approximately 300 traders.
The new Gikomba market will also feature a day-care centre, modern kitchens and sanitation facilities, an ICT hub, a youth community centre, basement parking, waste collection points and an integrated fire station.
PS Omollo also said the project is expected to transform the Gikomba riverfront under the Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Programme.
“Retaining walls are strengthening the riverbanks, while plans provide for recreational spaces and sports fields alongside the rehabilitated waterway, creating a safer and more functional public environment,” PS Omollo added.
On March 31, Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga announced that the construction of a new modern market at Gikomba Market will take approximately six months.
Hinga assured traders that the phased construction approach is designed to avoid disrupting livelihoods, noting that alternative trading spaces have already been provided.
"There are no jobs that are being lost because we have provided them with an alternative space to trade. We have to do it in phases; you cannot displace over 200,000 traders in one day. It will take 6 months to construct the new market," he said.
Hinga further highlighted the long-standing challenges facing Gikomba, describing it as an overcrowded and inefficient trading hub that has struggled to cope with the growing demand.
"The issue of Gikomba being a non-functional market, there is no space for any vehicles, even though there are roads, because of the pressure that the chairman was talking about. It is the only place that does not reject anyone. Because of that pressure that has grown over time, Gikomba has become dysfunctional," he added.
Hinga revealed that the government committed significant funding to the project, with plans to transform the market into a modern and dignified trading environment.
"We sat down with the president, and that is when he committed that there is going to be Ksh5 billion that will be appropriated through our state department to go and build a market that is modern, that provides dignity to traders, that will allow mothers to come with their children," he added.
