Kenyan government has pledged to fully cover relocation expenses for traders at Gikomba Market, in a move aimed at easing tensions and ensuring smooth progress of the market’s redevelopment.
State Department for Housing and Urban Development Principal Secretary Charles Hinga said the government will meet all costs associated with relocating traders to temporary sites.
His assurance follows complaints from traders who said they were being asked to pay KSh5,000 for space allocation and a monthly rent of KSh1,500 at decanting sites.
Speaking during a press briefing, Hinga dismissed concerns that traders would bear any financial burden during the transition.
“Whatever cost that is concerning your relocation, the government is going to meet it,” he said.
The announcement comes after protests by traders who argued that the charges were unfair, especially as many have already experienced disruptions to their businesses.
According to trader representatives, additional expenses threatened to worsen already fragile livelihoods. Many depend on daily sales, making any interruption costly.
The relocation is part of the broader Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Programme, which seeks to restore the Nairobi River and upgrade surrounding infrastructure.
Government officials say consultations with trader leaders are ongoing to determine the full scope of relocation costs. The state has committed to settling these expenses in full.
More than 6,300 traders have already been enumerated and moved to temporary trading spaces to allow construction to begin.
Some traders have independently set up temporary structures, reflecting both urgency and uncertainty surrounding the process.
Despite visible progress, concerns over cost-sharing had threatened to undermine trust between traders and authorities. Hinga’s latest pledge is expected to restore confidence and encourage cooperation.
The redevelopment of Gikomba Market is expected to resolve persistent issues such as fires, flooding, congestion and poor sanitation.
Officials say the upgraded facility will include improved drainage systems, reliable water and electricity supply, designated trading spaces, cold storage, childcare areas and better access roads.
Hinga emphasized that accessibility improvements are critical, noting that current congestion has made emergency response particularly during fires extremely difficult.
The first phase of construction is expected to take between four and six months, with the entire project scheduled for completion within a year.
Traders will gradually return to the upgraded market once construction is complete, according to the government.