In Photos: New Gikomba Market Gets Kenyans Talking After Overnight Demolitions
New Gikomba designs emerge after overnight demolitions, showing modern stalls and parking, even as displaced traders raise concerns over livelihoods and space in temporary holding area...
✨ Key Highlights
Sections of Gikomba Market in Nairobi were demolished overnight to make way for a new Ksh3 billion modern market, sparking public discussion and protests from affected traders.
- The Kenyan government plans to build a modern, two-storey market with organized layouts, walkways, bridges, and recreational facilities.
- President William Ruto announced the project, emphasizing its importance as a national trading hub.
- Traders were relocated to temporary holding areas, with some expressing dissatisfaction over the process and the adequacy of the temporary space.
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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.
