Government Commits KSh 3 billion To Gikomba Market Modernisation Project

The Kenyan government has formally committed KSh 3 billion toward the restoration and modernisation of Gikomba Market in Nairobi. This funding, central to the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, is intended to address long-standing infrastructural deficits at one of the largest informal trading hubs in East Africa.

The announcement follows a late-night operation on March 30, 2026, where structures in the shoe market section were cleared to make way for the planned upgrades. While the demolition caused immediate disruption for the locals, officials maintain that these measures are necessary to facilitate a comprehensive redevelopment of the site.

Under the leadership of President Ruto, the project aims to replace makeshift stalls with modern, structured trading spaces. The proposed plan includes the installation of improved drainage systems and waste management facilities to mitigate the sanitation challenges that have historically plagued the area.

primary driver for the KSh 3 billion investment. Gikomba Market has a documented history of frequent fires that have caused immense property losses over the decades. The new design incorporates enhanced fire safety infrastructure and wider access roads for emergency vehicles to prevent future catastrophes.

Beyond fire prevention, the government intends to provide more dignified working conditions for the thousands of traders who rely on the market daily. The scope of work covers the construction of proper sanitation blocks, secure storage warehousing, and upgraded lighting to extend trading hours and improve security.

Uploading image...ted that the modernisation is a strategic move to transform the informal sector. By providing a structured environment, the government seeks to support micro-enterprises and integrate them into a more formal economic framework.

The transition to the new facility will be conducted in phases. Authorities have indicated that temporary holding areas are being provided for displaced traders to ensure business continuity while the modern stalls are under construction.

Local leaders have previously called for a permanent solution to the congestion and land disputes that frequently occur at the market. This funding commitment is viewed as a response to those demands, aligning with the broader vision of upgrading urban marketplaces across the country.

Once finished, the modernized Gikomba is expected to accommodate a significantly larger number of traders in an organized manner. The project reflects a shift toward people-first development, focusing on the grassroots economy as a foundation for national growth.