Gachagua urges dialogue as Marikiti traders protest relocation to new market

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has pleaded with Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja to engage in dialogue with traders from Marikiti Market before moving them to the New Wakulima Market along Kangundo Road.

The plea follows unrest that erupted on Thursday morning as Marikiti traders protested an eviction notice issued by the Nairobi City County Government.

Gachagua urged Sakaja to honour the commitment made during the 2022 campaign, stressing the need for public participation before any major decisions that affect citizens’ livelihoods.

“My younger brother Governor Johnson Sakaja, traders from Wakulima Market, Nairobi, have called me and reminded me of the undertaking you and I jointly gave them in July 2022 as I campaigned for you in Muthurwa. We gave a commitment that our Administration will never disrupt their lives or undermine their economic activities. Our Constitution provides for public participation before any major decisions that have a serious impact on the welfare of our citizens are taken,” he said.

“Kindly, do consider having a sitting with the leadership of the market to agree on whatever changes your Government desires without adversely affecting their livelihoods. These traders gave you their trust and vote and it is only fair you give them an ear.”

My younger brother Governor Johnson Sakaja, traders from Wakulima Market in Nairobi County, have called me and reminded me of the undertaking you and I jointly gave them in July 2022 as I campaigned for you in Muthurwa.

— Rigathi Gachagua (@rigathi) September 12, 2024

The traders were given a notice on September 10, 2024, instructing them to vacate Wakulima Market immediately and relocate to the New Wakulima Market.

The notice, issued by Acting County Secretary Godfrey Akumali, cited the need to decongest Nairobi’s Central Business District for improved traffic and pedestrian flow.

“It has been decided that all potato, pineapple, oranges, and onion traders operating outside and inside the market relocate to Kangundo Road Market, where there is spacious trading space and ample parking for business. This notice takes effect immediately,” read the notice.

But Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna opposed the traders' relocation, arguing that an immediate implementation of the notice does not meet legal standards for public engagement.

“A notice that takes effect immediately is not a proper notice! We must engage all stakeholders according to the law and cannot disregard consultation and due process. I have spoken to the county officials responsible for the relocation of Marikiti traders and urged them to comply with the necessary procedures,” Sifuna stated.

Starehe Member of Parliament Amos Mwago also defended the traders, highlighting that no public participation was conducted and that the traders deserve to be heard.

“I fully support Marikiti traders over the unfair and forced relocation. No public participation was carried out and the traders were not consulted. The traders have a right to be heard and their workstations respected,” he said.

Despite the protests, City Hall has maintained a seven-day deadline for traders to relocate or face losing their market spaces.

Akumali defended the relocation, emphasising the necessity of decongesting the CBD.

“As we speak, Marikiti market cannot accommodate the number of traders together with their customers, and that is why the New Wakulima Market was constructed,” Akumali said.

The Sh800 million New Wakulima Market, funded by the African Development Bank and constructed by the Kenya Urban Roads Authority, is located in Mowlem Ward, Embakasi West Sub-county.

The market, which began construction in July 2017 and was completed a year later, features two floors and is designed to accommodate over 4,000 traders, aiming to alleviate congestion and improve access to quality and affordable food.