Sakaja Breaks Ground for Modern Gikomba Market: A New Era of Dignity, Trade, and Urban Renewal Begins
By Jeff Kizzilah/Digital Editor
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja today officially broke ground for the construction of a new, modern Gikomba Market, marking a major milestone in the ongoing transformation of the city into a cleaner, safer, and more dignified urban trading hub.
The redevelopment project is designed to significantly upgrade one of Nairobi’s largest informal trade centers into a structured, efficient, and sustainable commercial ecosystem that supports thousands of traders, farmers, and consumers.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Governor emphasized that the new Gikomba Market is part of the county’s broader urban renewal agenda aimed at restoring dignity to traders while improving service delivery and infrastructure.
“With this market comes an ICT hub, a social hall, a kitchen, ablution facilities, a food court, lactating mothers’ room, cold storage, administrative offices, and a children’s play area,” he said.
The upgraded facilities are expected to reduce post-harvest losses and spoilage through proper cold storage systems, enhance business efficiency through digital integration at the ICT hub, and improve overall working conditions for traders and shoppers.
Once completed, the modern market will provide a safer, more organized trading environment while boosting economic activity and improving livelihoods within the informal sector.
Governor Sakaja reiterated that the project reflects his administration’s commitment to building a “city of dignity,” where essential infrastructure supports both economic growth and social wellbeing.
The redevelopment of Gikomba Market is expected to become a model for similar upgrades across Nairobi’s major trading centers.
