President William Ruto has said the redeveloped Gikomba Market is on course for completion, expressing confidence that the facility will be ready for official opening within the next four months.
While inspecting the construction works, the President said progress at the site was encouraging and assured traders that they would soon move into the new market.
“I will come back in four months to officially open this market,” Ruto said during the visit.
The redevelopment is expected to provide traders with modern stalls and improved public amenities after years of operating under difficult conditions. Gikomba, one of Nairobi’s busiest trading centres, has frequently experienced fires, congestion, poor drainage and inadequate sanitation, disrupting business for thousands of people.
According to the President, the upgraded market has been designed to improve safety and create a more organised trading environment. The project also includes better drainage, improved access roads, enhanced security features and waste management facilities.
Ruto said the government will continue investing in markets across the country as part of efforts to strengthen small businesses, which employ a large number of Kenyans and contribute significantly to the economy.
Several traders who have been following the construction expressed optimism that the new facility will improve working conditions and reduce the disruptions that have affected business over the years. Many said they hope the modern infrastructure will attract more customers once the market becomes operational.
The Gikomba project is among several market redevelopment programmes being implemented by the government to improve public trading spaces and support the informal business sector.