Gikomba Market to Get Major Upgrade in 6 Months, Says PS Charles Hinga

The government has announced plans to rebuild Gikomba Market within six months as part of a major project to improve one of Kenya’s busiest trading centres.

Speaking during a media interview on Tuesday, Principal Secretary for Housing, Charles Hinga, said the new market will be modern, clean, and well-organized to benefit thousands of traders.

Construction to Be Done in Phases

Hinga explained that the construction will not happen all at once. Instead, it will be done in phases to avoid disrupting businesses.

He assured traders that no one will lose their jobs, as the government has already provided alternative spaces for them to continue operating.

“We cannot move over 200,000 traders at once. That is why the construction will be done step by step. It will take about six months,” he said.

Modern Market with Better Facilities

The new Gikomba is expected to completely change the current state of the market, which has long faced problems like congestion, poor drainage, and lack of proper structures.

According to Hinga, the upgraded market will include:

Clean and organized stalls
Improved sanitation
Better road access
Modern public spaces

Proposed outlook of the Gikomba Market/UDA X

He also revealed that the project will improve the nearby river area, turning it into a clean and attractive space where families can visit.

Restoring Dignity to Traders

Hinga emphasized that the main goal of the project is to give traders a better working environment and restore dignity to their businesses.

“A trader is a trader. Everyone deserves a clean and decent place to work, regardless of where they come from,” he said.

Transparent Allocation of Stalls

To avoid conflicts, the government will publish a list of all registered traders who will be allocated spaces in the new market.

A total of 6,392 traders have already been recorded, and their names will be made public in different locations, including government offices and within the market.