Editor's Review

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has given an update on the ongoing construction of the modern Gikomba market in Nairobi. 

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has given an update on the ongoing construction of the modern Gikomba market in Nairobi. 

In a statement on Friday, October 2, PS Omollo said phases one and two of the project are in the final stretch, while phase three is in the superstructure frame.

He highlighted that ongoing works at the market include plumbing, plastering, stall partitioning, painting and external civil works.

File image of the modern Gikomba Market. 

According to the Interior PS, the modern market will accommodate up to 7,000 traders once complete. 

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“Phases One and Two are now in the final stretch, with plumbing, plastering, stall partitioning, painting and external civil works underway, while Phase Three has progressed to the superstructure frame. 

“Once complete, the facility will provide well-ventilated, numbered multi-level stalls for up to 7,000 traders,” said PS Omollo.

File image of the modern Gikomba Market. 

He also said phase one of the project incorporates an integrated fire station, mechanical lifts for heavy goods, standard sanitation blocks and a fish-processing zone for 300 specialized traders

Other amenities include a day-care centre, modern kitchens, an ICT hub, and a youth community centre. 

The Gikomba market will also feature basement parking and designated waste collection points. 

File image of the modern Gikomba Market. 

Housing PS Charles Hinga in March announced that the construction of a new modern market at Gikomba Market will take approximately six months. 

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

PS Hinga assured traders that the phased construction approach is designed to avoid disrupting livelihoods, noting that alternative trading spaces have already been provided. 

File image of the modern Gikomba Market. 

"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.

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