Estimated Monthly Earnings of Githurai Market Traders, Left Jobless After Demolitions

Dozens of small-scale traders at Githurai Market along the Thika Superhighway were left without income after their roadside stalls were demolished this week. The operation, carried out by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) under police supervision, targeted kiosks, wooden sheds, and informal stalls built on road reserves.

The demolitions, which began Wednesday evening, sparked protests as traders set tyres on fire and blocked traffic, forcing police to use tear gas to disperse the crowd. Many vendors scrambled to save their goods, but for most, the losses went beyond physical structures.

Estimates suggest that each trader at Githurai Market earned between Ksh 10,000 and Ksh 50,000 per month, depending on the type of goods sold and customer traffic. With the demolitions, these small business owners, many of whom relied solely on daily sales to support their families, now face an uncertain financial future.

“This is devastating. I had been running my stall for over five years, and it was my only source of income. How will I feed my family now?” lamented one affected vendor.

The demolition operation followed a seven-day notice for traders to vacate road reserves to make way for new bus bays. While authorities say the clearance is necessary to improve traffic safety and reduce congestion, affected traders argue that no relocation plan has been provided.

Residents had mixed reactions. Some supported the enforcement, citing long-standing traffic chaos at the Githurai roundabout. “The roundabout has been dangerous for years with hawkers on the road. It’s good to see action being taken,” said one commuter. Others, however, sympathized with traders struggling to rebuild their lives.

Many vendors are now seeking alternative locations to set up businesses, while some vow to rebuild their stalls despite the losses. Analysts warn that without proper support or relocation plans, hundreds of families dependent on Githurai Market for income could face serious economic hardship.

As authorities continue to enforce road reserve regulations, the focus remains on balancing urban development with safeguarding the livelihoods of small-scale traders who form the backbone of Githurai’s bustling market economy.