Uproar as Nairobi County Demolishes Sections of Gikomba Market Overnight
Gikomba traders protest and scramble to salvage stalls and goods following an overnight demolition operation after a 30-day eviction notice expired...
✨ Key Highlights
The Nairobi County government conducted overnight demolitions at Gikomba Market, displacing approximately 6,000 traders to clear riparian land along the Nairobi River and mitigate flood risks.
- 6,000 traders affected by the overnight demolition.
- Nairobi County government, led by Governor Johnson Sakaja, carried out the operation.
- Traders protested the demolition, citing inadequate alternative space, with one noting the temporary site is only a quarter of an acre compared to Gikomba's 16 acres.
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Overnight Demolitions Displace 6,000 Traders at Gikomba Market - March 2026
The Nairobi County government conducted overnight demolitions at Gikomba Market, displacing approximately 6,000 traders to clear riparian land along the Nairobi River and mitigate flood risks. The clearance drive, part of a Ksh3 billion modern market project, left traders facing significant losses and sparked public discussion. Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has strongly condemned the demolition, stating the destruction has left traders in distress and questioning the authorities' actions. Traders are counting massive losses after the swift operation saw structures razed down, with many business owners devastated by the overnight action.
