President Ruto Unveils Ksh.5 Billion Plan for Modern Gikomba Market
The Head of State made the announcement on Tuesday during the signing of a collaboration agreement between the national government and the Nairobi City County Government at State House. He said the redevelopment of Gikomba Market would elevate Nairobi’s status as a capital city and improve trading conditions for thousands of merchants
By : Mweru Mbugua
President William Ruto has announced plans to construct a Ksh.5 billion ultra-modern market at Gikomba in Nairobi, in a move aimed at transforming the country’s largest open-air trading hub into a safer and more competitive commercial centre
The Head of State made the announcement on Tuesday during the signing of a collaboration agreement between the national government and the Nairobi City County Government at State House. He said the redevelopment of Gikomba Market would elevate Nairobi’s status as a capital city and improve trading conditions for thousands of merchants
“I have given my undertaking that we are going to build a Ksh.5 billion modern market in Gikomba.This will strengthen Nairobi’s standing as a capital worthy of the republic it serves orderly, functional, competitive, and globally respected,” President Ruto stated
The project forms part of a broader campaign promise made jointly with Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja to construct 20 modern markets across the city. Under the agreement, the national government will deliver 12 markets, while the county government will build eight
The initiative is expected to improve infrastructure, sanitation, and safety standards for traders who have long operated in congested and vulnerable conditions
The redevelopment comes against the backdrop of frequent fires that have repeatedly ravaged Gikomba, destroying goods worth millions of shillings and leaving traders counting losses
In April 2025, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki directed security agencies to investigate the recurring infernos at markets within Nairobi, including Gikomba and Toi Market, and recommend long-term solutions
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“The government has instructed relevant agencies to investigate the cause of the frequent inferno in the markets within Nairobi City County, including Gikomba and Toi Market, and provide comprehensive long-term solutions to avoid recurrence,” part of his April 9, 2025 statement read
The planned modern facility is expected to incorporate fire control systems and enhanced safety measures to prevent
