There was strong reaction from traders after the Nairobi County Government carried out a night demolition at Gikomba Market, one of the biggest markets in Nairobi. The operation started late at night and continued into the early morning, leaving many small business owners shocked and frustrated.
The demolition targeted stalls built close to the Nairobi River. According to the county, this action was necessary to clear riparian land and reduce the risk of flooding, especially during heavy rains. Authorities explained that buildings too close to the river block water flow and increase the chances of floods, which have been a growing problem in the city.
However, the move has greatly affected traders. It is estimated that about 6,000 people lost their business spaces. Many arrived early in the morning trying to save their goods, but some had already lost stock and income. For most of them, Gikomba is their main source of livelihood, and the sudden demolition has disrupted not only their daily earnings but also the supply of goods to other parts of the city.
Although the traders had been given a 30-day notice to leave, many say the time was not enough and the alternative space provided is too small. They argue that the temporary market cannot accommodate everyone, making it difficult for them to continue their businesses. Some traders feel the process was unfair because they were not given a clear and practical solution before the demolition happened.
The plan is part of a wider effort led by Johnson Sakaja to restore the river and control flooding. The county has stated that structures within a certain distance from the river must be removed to create space for water flow and future development. There are also promises to build a new and improved market for the affected traders, although no clear timeline has been given yet.
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By Deborah Sivyatsomana Kavira