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Move to transform Gikomba, city markets off to a grand start

Thursday, June 16th, 2022 06:11 | By
Traders at Nairobi’s Gikomba market. Raila swore to empower small business owners by implementing favourable legal policies. PHOTO/File
Traders at Nairobi’s Gikomba market. PHOTO/File

The government has launched an ambitious project to transform Gikomba open-air market into an ultra-modern storey building.

The project being undertaken alongside the rehabilitation of two other markets in the city - City Market and City Park Market would see the replacement of the expansive open-air market with two buildings accommodating all the traders at the biggest facility in the region.

Already, a six-floor new ultra-modern market building has been put up with the second one expected to be completed within the next three months in a transformation that would bring to an end frequent fire incidents.

Speaking during a tour of the market, Principal Secretary Housing and Urban Development Charles Hinga said the government was concerned about how most traders have been conducting their businesses saying it is time they were provided with a dignified place where they can do their trade freely.

“In October 2017, President Uhuru Kenyatta promised to build a new modern Gikomba after a fire razed down the entire market. Four years later, a six floor new ultra-modern market has been built,” he said.

Thousands of traders at the market have lived in fear over uncertainty on security of their stock and their livelihood.

Hinga said since the first phase of modern market is complete, most traders have been doing their businesses with ease as they don’t have fear of anything likely to happen to their merchandise.

The first phase of project cost taxpayer Sh460 million comprises of 41 stalls (fish traders), 96 stalls for the original tenants, 88 stalls (to be shared by two traders each), 74 Mpesa stalls, five salon stalls, five hotels and 107 spaces for informal traders.

The market also has a stand by generator installation; plumbing and drainage works, cold room/refrigeration and toilet extract system installation.

“Our idea is to ensure that these markets are a one stop shop where you will walk in, do your shopping, and get somewhere to relax within the same building. We are reducing the time one could have taken moving from one point to another trying to locate what they want,” said Hinga. Already, Hinga who was accompanied by technical assistant to the President, Mutahi Ngunyi said they have commenced the second phase, an eight-storey market set for completion in September.

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