President William Ruto has unveiled a proposed design and vision for the redevelopment of Gikomba Market, hours after parts of the shoe market section were demolished overnight.
In a video shared on his social media platforms, the President compiled past statements highlighting the government’s plan to modernise the busy trading hub under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
“We must pay attention to Gikomba Market because it is a national market serving a network of traders across Kenya,” Ruto said in the clip.
The proposed project, valued at about Sh3 billion, is aimed at transforming the market into a modern facility with improved infrastructure, safety standards, and better working conditions for thousands of traders.
“A new dawn begins at Gikomba Market. This initiative will improve working conditions, enhance safety, and support thousands of traders who depend on it every day,” the President added.
The demolition of part of the shoe market earlier sparked concern among traders, with reports indicating that bulldozers cleared sections of the market during the night while some traders were away.
However, Shoe Market Chairman Boniface Muigai, featured in the video, confirmed that traders had been informed about the planned relocation and redevelopment process.
He said the modernisation project is intended to enhance safety and create a more structured trading environment while supporting both traders and consumers.
Authorities have stated that the redevelopment will be implemented in phases, with temporary relocation areas provided to minimise disruption as construction continues.
The project forms part of broader urban renewal efforts in Nairobi, aimed at upgrading informal trading spaces into organised and safer commercial centres.
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