Despite an earlier Environment and Land Court order in early March halting planned demolitions, the Nairobi County government proceeded to demolish sections of Gikomba Market overnight on March 30-31 after a 30-day eviction notice expired, affecting around 6,000 traders. Officials aim to clear 50 metres from the Nairobi Riverbank for flood mitigation and a new modern market funded by Ksh3 billion. Traders protest the inadequate temporary holding area.
The Nairobi County government initiated bulldozer operations around 3am on Monday night into Tuesday, targeting shoe stalls and other small businesses along the Nairobi River. Approximately 6,000 traders were affected, rushing to salvage goods early Tuesday morning. This followed a temporary court halt earlier in March on a petition by MP Babu Owino, but proceeded after the eviction notice expired.
President William Ruto announced Ksh3 billion funding for the project, stating, “We are going to build a modern market. One that you have not seen.” He emphasized, “We must pay attention to the Gikomba market because it is a national market serving a national traders' network around Kenya.”
Government photos show planned modern two-storey structures, parking, spacious walkways, bridges, and a sports pitch. The demolition clears 50 metres from the riverbank—30 metres for riparian restoration to curb flooding, and 20 metres for the new market. It aligns with a plan for 20 modern markets across Kenya.
Boniface Muigai, chairman of Gikomba's shoe market, noted traders were relocated to a temporary site but built their own stalls: “The government had not accounted for building stalls and shade, so traders contributed and put up structures themselves.” Trader George Ochieng added the site is too small: “Gikomba is 16 acres, but the temporary site is only a quarter of an acre.”
Political leaders condemned the action. Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka called the demolitions “inhuman, they’re disheartening, and we condemn them unreservedly.” Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua described it as “inhuman, brutal, unacceptable and ... persecution of small business owners.”