Nairobi police boss assures safety for traders relocating to new Kangundo Market

Nairobi police boss Adamson Bungei has reassured Marikiti (Wakulima) traders of their safety after they agreed to relocate to the New Wakulima Market along Kangundo Road.

This follows a meeting on Friday where a section of the traders, led by Wakulima Market Chairman Paul Maina, reached an agreement with Governor Johnson Sakaja and other county officials.

Bungei affirmed that security measures would be in place during and after the transition to ensure the traders' safety.

"Our core mandate is to provide security, and we will ensure that you are safe," he said, emphasising that the police would offer full support.

The decision to relocate traders from the congested Marikiti and Muthurwa markets, where onions, potatoes, oranges, and pineapples are sold, is part of a broader strategy to decongest Nairobi's central markets.

The move is expected to provide a better working environment for traders while reducing overcrowding in the city.

The traders' relocation to the new Kangundo Market comes after a meeting chaired by Governor Sakaja and attended by Nairobi Regional Police Boss Adamson Bungei, and Wakulima Market Chairman Paul Maina.

They expressed optimism about the move, stating that the new market offers more space and improved trading facilities.

"After discussions with the Governor, we are convinced that we will benefit more from Kangundo Market. It is modern, with space for over 5,000 traders, and we are ready for a smooth transition," he said.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja during a meeting with Wakulima ( Marikiti) traders at City Hall, Nairobi on September 13, 2024. (Maureen Kinyanjui)

On his part, Governor Sakaja stressed the importance of the relocation in restoring order within the capital.

He noted that Muthurwa and Marikiti markets have been operating beyond capacity, with three times more traders than the intended 1,200.

However, the new market, according to Sakaja, will offer traders a more conducive space to operate, benefiting both the traders and the city at large.

"We mean well and cannot allow our people to suffer. This move will ensure that traders have a better space for improved services," Sakaja added.

To ease the burden of relocation, Sakaja announced that the county government would waive cess payments for the next two months, giving the traders time to settle into the new location without additional financial pressure.

"We understand that moving your businesses will cause disruption, so for the next two months, you won't pay anything," the Governor confirmed.

The move is part of the county's long-term plan to improve the overall market conditions in Nairobi while addressing congestion issues in the city centre.

Court case

However, earlier in the day, Milimani High Court Judge Bahati Mwamuye halted the eviction order issued by Nairobi City County, which had required traders to move to the New Kangundo Road market.

On September 10, 2024, City Hall had given the traders a notice to relocate, but Judge Mwamuye's recent ruling suspended this directive.

The judge issued an order to prevent the county from evicting the traders or disrupting their operations at Wakulima Market until the matter is resolved.

"Pending inter parties hearing and determination of this application, an order is hereby issued restraining the county from evicting the traders operating within or in the vicinity of Wakulima Market, Nairobi or interfering with their business operations in those areas," Judge Mwamuye stated.

The court also directed the traders and the county to meet next Tuesday to discuss the issue and report back to the court.

The case will be reviewed again on September 30 for further instructions.