Here is the Artistic Proposed KSHs 3 Billion New Gikomba Market to Be Constructed by the Government

An ambitious plan to transform Kenya’s largest open-air market into a modern, multi-storey commercial hub is gathering pace as both the national government and Nairobi County intensify efforts to redevelop Gikomba Market.

Initially budgeted at KSh 3 billion, the project received renewed momentum after President William Ruto highlighted the funding during a church service at PEFA All Nations Gospel Church in Gikomba in early 2026.

The President announced that he had secured KSh 3 billion to construct a significantly larger modern market that could be up to ten times the size of current sections, providing adequate space for traders currently operating from roadside and overcrowded areas.

Subsequent statements have scaled up the financial commitment, with references to KSh 4 billion for major expansion works and up to KSh 5 billion for a fully-fledged “national modern market” intended to project an orderly and competitive image of Nairobi as Kenya’s capital city.

The initiative forms part of a wider partnership between the national and county governments aimed at upgrading trading facilities across the capital.

Conceptual designs and artistic impressions show a sleek, contemporary multi-level trading complex featuring spacious, well-ventilated stalls, smooth traffic flow for both traders and buyers, and modern supporting facilities. Planned features include:

Advanced fire-fighting systems, properly installed electrical wiring, and efficient drainage to prevent the frequent fires that have repeatedly destroyed sections of the market.

Basement parking, cold storage rooms for perishable goods, dedicated hardware zones, butcheries, proper waste management areas, and community amenities such as a day-care centre and youth centre.

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Improved lighting, higher hygiene standards, and well-organized trading spaces designed to reduce congestion and boost security.

The redevelopment builds on ongoing work, including the nearly completed seven-storey Gikomba Quarry Road Market (Block D), which is expected to accommodate over 1,700 traders with similar modern facilities. Some reports suggest ambitions for even taller structures, possibly including a 12-storey building as part of the overall revitalization.

The project aims to formalize trading activities for thousands of small-scale business owners (hustlers), resolve long-standing land ownership issues, and establish Gikomba as a flagship national trading destination serving customers from across Kenya.

Developments on the ground continue to evolve amid some tension. In February 2026, President Ruto promised to issue the title deed for the Gikomba land in the name of Nairobi City County within 90 days to protect it from land grabbers and address recurrent fire incidents often linked to speculation.

He indicated that planning was advanced, with possible commissioning in March or April 2026 and full completion targeted within nine months.

At the same time, construction of additional market blocks and partitions is progressing, with some phases reportedly reaching 92–95% completion earlier this year.

However, as of March 31, 2026, fresh tensions have arisen following an overnight demolition exercise carried out by Nairobi County authorities on March 30. Sections of the market, especially shoe stalls and other temporary structures, were cleared to enforce riparian reserve regulations along the Nairobi River.

PHOTO/COURTESY

The operation targeted areas within 50 meters of the riverbank comprising 30 meters for environmental restoration to reduce flooding risks and an extra 20 meters to create space for the new market development.

The exercise has displaced thousands of traders, triggering protests over the disruption to their businesses and the limited size of the proposed temporary relocation sites (reportedly only a quarter of an acre compared to Gikomba’s full 16 acres).

Many traders have resisted the extended 50-meter buffer, preferring the previously discussed 30-meter setback, while county officials insist the clearance is necessary for flood mitigation and long-term redevelopment.

Court orders have at times paused aspects of the demolitions, underscoring the complex balance between urban planning, environmental protection, and the needs of informal traders.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and county officials maintain that the demolitions are a necessary step toward building a safer and more organized market, with assurances that affected traders will be properly relocated into the new facilities.

For decades, Gikomba Market has served as a critical economic lifeline, sustaining tens of thousands of livelihoods through the sale of second-hand clothes (mitumba), hardware items, and general merchandise.

Despite its importance, the market has long struggled with severe congestion, poor safety conditions, and repeated devastating fires.

The ongoing redevelopment offers hope for a safer, more structured, and world-class trading environment that can better support Kenya’s vibrant informal economy.