Traders Protest After Gikomba Market Demolition in Riparian Clearance Drive
By morning, traders found their stalls destroyed and goods scattered, bringing business to a halt in one of Nairobi’s most vibrant informal markets. - Kenya breaking news | Kenya news today | Capitalfm.co.ke..
✨ Key Highlights
Overnight demolitions at Gikomba Market in Nairobi have left dozens of traders facing significant losses as county authorities carried out a clearance of structures on riparian land.
- Demolitions targeted the market's shoe section, conducted by Nairobi County officials under heavy security.
- The operation is part of a broader government directive to remove developments encroaching on waterways, aimed at reducing flooding risks following recent widespread damage.
- The demolitions proceed despite an active case at the Environment and Land Court, where interim orders were issued to halt similar evictions pending a full hearing.
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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.
