Relief for Karen traders as Sakaja breaks ground for Sh239 million modern market

After 10 years of waiting, traders in Karen ward, Nairobi, can now breathe a sigh of relief following the groundbreaking of the Karen market which was razed down by a fire in 2014.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja on Thursday presided over the groundbreaking of the ceremony, giving hope to traders who were victims of the fire.

The Sh239 million modern market will be completed in 12 months and will provide safe spaces for traders who have been operating along the road reserves.

The project funded by the County Government of Nairobi is also aimed at addressing the challenge of the lack of safe spaces for traders.

"Karen traders operate their businesses on road reserves due to the failure of the previous government to give a place to traders for the past 10 years. My administration is ready to serve all the city residents. We want to bring order, hope and Dignity" Sakaja said.

The Governor also stated that the allocation of the spaces will be fair and transparent to accommodate traders.

Karen market is one of four modern markets that are currently under construction in the county. The modern Karen market structure is set to house stalls for the traders, office spaces for market administration and many more amenities.

The infrastructure within the market will facilitate seamless business activities in a healthy and conducive environment and grant the youth job opportunities.

During the groundbreaking, Governor Sakaja shared information about the project and its anticipated impact by highlighting the efforts made by his administration.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, his deputy Njoroge Muchiri and Langata MP Phelix Oduor during the groundbreaking of the Sh239 million modern market in Nairobi on August 22, 2024. (Nairobi County Government)

Karen MCA Anthony Maragu commended City Hall for giving hope to the traders after 10 years of waiting.

Additionally, Governor Sakaja also warned public land grabbers to shun the vice. Also, he promised his administration was ready to reclaim all public land that had been grabbed in the county.

Nairobi currently has 42 markets, which are still not enough for traders, forcing hawkers to sell on the roadsides and streets within the Central Business District.

To address the shortage, Governor Sakaja in his manifesto outlined the planned changes to give dignity to traders in city markets. He revealed that the designs of the markets are modern, to eliminate certain challenges like fires.

Public markets in Nairobi suffer from poor construction characterised by inadequate infrastructure, limited sanitation facilities and insufficient space for traders.

Many markets lack proper drainage systems, leading to unsanitary conditions, especially during rainy seasons.

The cramped and disorganised layout contributes to congestion, making it challenging for both sellers and buyers to navigate. Inadequate waste management further exacerbates hygiene issues.

These poorly constructed markets not only hinder the growth of local businesses but also pose health and safety risks for the community, necessitating urgent attention and infrastructural improvements to enhance the overall market environment in the city.

However, the new modern markets are designed to have space that can accommodate both stalls and informal traders.

In February, the Nairobi government broke the ground for the first improved market among 20 to be constructed before 2027. The Sh244 million Mutuini market in Dagoretti South is the first one under the administration of Governor Sakaja.