Thousands of Gikomba traders could soon leave behind years of cramped, flood-prone and unsafe working conditions as construction of a modern market enters a key phase. More than 5,000 traders displaced by the project are expected to start returning from October, with the first section targeted for completion by October 15.
Highlights
- More than 5,000 traders are expected to return from October.
- The first phase is targeted for completion by October 15.
- The new market will feature lifts, parking, a police station and improved firefighting facilities.
- Traders say temporary spaces have been costly to operate from.
- Construction is being carried out alongside efforts to clean the nearby Nairobi River.
Main Story
Gikomba Traders Await Return
For traders who have spent years dealing with congestion, flooding, fires and limited working space, the ongoing redevelopment of Gikomba Market could mark a major change in their day-to-day businesses.
The first phase of the modern market is expected to be ready by October 15, paving the way for thousands of traders who were moved out to facilitate construction to begin returning.
Traders have welcomed the progress, saying the developing facility already offers a sharp contrast to the difficult conditions they previously faced.
New Facilities Planned
The revamped market is expected to provide facilities designed to make trading safer, more organised and convenient.
Among the planned features are lifts, parking areas, a police station and an upgraded firefighting system. These facilities are intended to address some of the long-standing concerns around safety and accessibility at the busy market.
For traders, improved infrastructure could also create a more stable environment for businesses that serve customers from across Nairobi and beyond.
Temporary Spaces Have Come at a Cost
The relocation has not been without financial pressure.
Some traders operating from temporary spaces say they have been paying between Sh2,500 and Sh3,000 for relatively small areas. They hope returning to the permanent market will reduce some of these costs while giving them access to better facilities.
The completion of the new sections is therefore being closely watched by traders whose livelihoods depend on regular customer traffic and affordable operating spaces.
Construction Being Done in Phases
The redevelopment is being rolled out progressively, with individual phases expected to take no more than six months.
Authorities say traders affected by upcoming construction phases will be identified and allocated alternative spaces before work begins. This approach is intended to allow construction to continue while ensuring traders are not left without a place to conduct business.
The phased model will also allow completed sections to be occupied as other parts of the market continue undergoing development.
Nairobi River Cleanup Linked to Market Upgrade
The redevelopment is happening alongside efforts to clean up the Nairobi River, which runs close to the market.
The two projects are expected to complement each other by improving both the trading environment and the surroundings of one of Nairobi’s busiest commercial areas.
If the work stays on schedule, Gikomba traders could soon be operating in a market that offers better protection, organisation and infrastructure than the spaces many have relied on for years.
The real test, however, will be whether the new facilities translate into safer and more affordable trading conditions for the thousands of businesses that depend on Gikomba.
A modern market can change the look of Gikomba, but for traders, its biggest success will be measured by whether it makes earning a living safer, more affordable and more dignified.
