Kamukunji Member of Parliament Yusuf Hassan has assured traders operating at Gikomba Market that they will be given priority when allocation of spaces begins at the new seven-storey Quarry Road Market, which is nearing completion and is expected to accommodate more than 3,000 traders.
The MP made the remarks after meeting informal traders operating within Gikomba on Monday, where he sought to address concerns surrounding the ongoing market development project and clarify reports that have caused uncertainty among traders.
According to Yusuf, traders currently operating within the market will be the first beneficiaries once the new facility is opened for occupation.
“I spoke with informal hawkers operating inside Gikomba market this morning and assured them that they will receive first priority and be relocated to the new 7-story Quarry Road Market, which is nearly ready for occupation and can accommodate over 3,000 traders,” he said.
The new market has been constructed with a range of facilities aimed at improving the working environment for traders while addressing some of the challenges that have affected business activities in Gikomba for many years.
Among the facilities included in the market are a basement parking area, a kitchen, a day-care centre and a youth centre. The building also contains a cold room, a refuse collection section, a hardware area and a vertical stainless-steel waste disposal system designed to improve waste management within the facility.
The project is expected to ease long-standing challenges faced by traders, including congestion and frequent fire outbreaks that have disrupted business activities and caused significant losses.
During his engagement with traders, Yusuf also moved to calm fears over reports that two nearby market sections could be demolished.
He said traders operating in Blocks B and C should continue with their businesses without fear, noting that there were no plans to remove the two market sections.
“I told the traders in blocks B and C that they are safe where they are and dispelled unfounded rumours about plans to demolish the two adjacent markets,” he said.
The assurance comes as traders continue seeking clarity on the future of their businesses, even as construction of the new market nears completion.
Beyond the market project, Yusuf also updated residents and traders on the status of health services in the ward, saying Pumwani Level 3 Hospital had been fully equipped, staffed and is now operational, enabling residents to access healthcare closer to home and work.
The facility is expected to serve residents of Gikomba, Majengo and surrounding areas, many of whom rely on public health services.
The MP further announced plans to improve road infrastructure within the market in collaboration with the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA).
He said works will begin with the reconstruction of Meru Road, a key route within the market used by traders, customers and transport operators.
“My office through KERRA will continue improving the roads within the market, starting with the reconstruction of Meru Road, which runs through the market,” he said.
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