5,000 Traders to Benefit as Gikomba Modern Market Nears Completion

More than 5,000 traders who were displaced to allow for the construction of the modern Gikomba Market are expected to return to modern trading spaces as the first phase of the project nears completion. 

The first phase of the project, which began in April, is targeted for completion by October 15, 2026. 

The Gikomba market has for years been affected by congestion, flooding, fires and inadequate working spaces.

The redeveloped market will include lifts, parking facilities, a police station and a new fire-fighting system, addressing some of the challenges traders have faced for years. 

It is also expected to provide a more organized and secure working environment for traders.

Gikomba traders have welcomed the construction of the new market, saying it is a significant improvement from the muddy and overcrowded conditions they previously operated in.

“When it rained, it was very muddy, making it difficult for traders to access this area. But as you can see, the new market looks very good. It has been built with blocks, and we are expecting the best,” said Virginia Wachira.

The traders also highlighted the high cost of operating in temporary spaces, where small trading areas have attracted charges of between Ksh2,500 and Ksh3,000. 

“Where we were operating before, the cost was very high. You would find that a three-by-six-foot space was being charged at Ksh2,500,” said Yoga Ibrahim.

The traders further said the completion of the new market will ease the burden of frequent fires and provide better facilities for their businesses.

“I lost approximately Ksh2.5 million worth of bales that I had purchased and stored. I am very optimistic that this project will help us address the challenge of fires,” Swaleh Pashua stated.

The Modern Gikomba market project is being implemented in phases, with each phase expected to take no more than six months. 

Traders affected by the different phases will be identified and allocated spaces before the respective sections of the market are completed.

The redevelopment of the Gikomba market is also being undertaken alongside the Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Programme, given the market’s proximity to the river. 

Housing PS Charles Hinga on March 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.