City Affairs

Gikomba traders protest looming demolition of structures along Nairobi River

By Maureen Kinyanjui | Friday, May 24, 2024

A section of Gikomba traders held a peaceful demonstration against the demolition of their stalls along the Nairobi River on Friday.

The traders who gathered outside the District Commissioner's office argued that their stalls in the riverside area were not residential and questioned why they were being targeted.

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Speaking to The Eastleigh Voice, Millicent Anyola, chairlady of the Riverside traders, accused cartels of attempting to push them out of the market, alleging that this action goes against the President's orders.

"We decided to demonstrate because it appears things have changed. At first, it was said demolitions would only occur where people had built and lived," she said.

"But now they are targeting us, yet we only trade there during the day and go back home in the evening," Anyola added.

Gikomba traders hold demonstrations against looming demolitions. (Photo: Charity Kilei)

Miriam, a mother in her early 30s, shared how her hustle in Gikomba has helped her raise her children. She argued that if their stalls are demolished, her children would suffer from a lack of food and the family would be left without a livelihood. Her plea is for the government to find them an alternative trading space or to limit demolitions to places at extreme risk.

Anyola also criticised the 30-meter demolition order, calling it too harsh on traders compared to residential areas. She noted that 30 meters in a market would affect close to a hundred people, as their stalls are not large.

Condemning the Kenya Kwanza administration, Anyola expressed disappointment that the "hustlers" are the ones suffering, despite having voted for "one of their own." The traders are urgently requesting the government to spare Gikomba traders from the demolitions.

Gikomba traders hold demonstrations against looming demolitions. (Photo: Charity Kilei)

On May 3, 2024, the Interior Ministry ordered the demolition of structures and buildings illegally constructed along riparian land in Nairobi. The directive affects all those living within 30 meters of the Ngong, Mathare, and Nairobi rivers.

The CS directed the Nairobi Regional and County Security Teams to work with the Nairobi City County Government and the National Disaster Operation Centre (NDOC) to ensure the immediate vacation of people living along the rivers.

Demolitions are ongoing in areas within Mathare, Kamukunji, and Starehe.