Uproar as Nairobi County Demolishes Sections of Gikomba Market Overnight

Uproar as Nairobi County Demolishes Sections of Gikomba Market Overnight

An overnight demolition exercise at Nairobi’s bustling Gikomba Market has sparked outrage among traders after county authorities moved in to clear sections of the market situated along the Nairobi River.

The operation, carried out late Monday night, saw bulldozers deployed at around 9pm, flattening rows of shoe stalls and other small businesses in what officials described as a planned effort to reclaim riparian land and mitigate flooding risks in the capital.

By Tuesday morning, hundreds of traders had gathered at the site, scrambling to salvage goods from the debris, as the scale of the destruction became clear. It is estimated that approximately 6,000 traders have been affected by the demolition.

The Nairobi County Government, under Governor Johnson Sakaja, maintains that the exercise was necessary to restore the river ecosystem and prevent recurring floods that have plagued parts of the city during heavy rains.

County officials indicated that the clearance targeted structures erected within 50 metres of the riverbank—30 metres designated for riparian restoration and an additional 20 metres reserved for future development, including a planned modern market.

Despite these assurances, traders have strongly criticised the move, accusing the county of failing to provide adequate alternative spaces and disregarding the immediate economic impact on thousands of livelihoods.

“If we had been given an alternative space, we would have moved. Gikomba is 16 acres, but the temporary site is only a quarter of an acre,” said trader George Ochieng, expressing frustration over what he termed as inadequate relocation plans.

According to county authorities, traders had been issued with a 30-day notice to vacate the affected areas, with the demolition commencing shortly after the notice period expired. However, many traders insist the notice was insufficient, arguing that relocation logistics for a market of such scale require more time and structured planning.

Business owners say the sudden displacement has disrupted supply chains across Nairobi, as Gikomba serves as a key hub for second-hand clothing, footwear, and other goods distributed to smaller retailers across the city and beyond.

“This has destroyed our source of income overnight. We don’t know where to go or how to continue with business,” one trader lamented as she sifted through the rubble

The demolition comes amid heightened concerns over flooding in Nairobi, particularly in informal settlements and low-lying areas near riverbanks. Heavy rains in recent weeks have exposed the vulnerability of structures built on riparian land, prompting renewed calls for enforcement of urban planning regulations.

Governor Sakaja had earlier signalled a crackdown on illegal developments along waterways, stating that reclaiming riparian land was essential for long-term flood control and environmental restoration.

“We must protect our rivers and ensure that Nairobi is safe from flooding. These actions are in line with existing laws and are meant to safeguard lives and property,” Sakaja previously stated.

However, urban development experts note that while environmental restoration is critical, such interventions must be balanced with social and economic considerations, particularly in informal sectors that support thousands of livelihoods.

Gikomba Market, one of the largest open-air markets in Nairobi, has long been a lifeline for small-scale traders, many of whom rely on daily sales to support their families. The market’s informal structures, often made of timber and iron sheets, have grown organically over decades, reflecting both resilience and regulatory challenges.

The county government has pledged to construct a new, modern market to accommodate displaced traders, though no specific timeline has been provided. This uncertainty has further fuelled anxiety among those affected.

“We are not against development, but we need solutions that protect our businesses and our families,” another trader said.

As tensions remain high, affected traders are now calling for urgent intervention, including temporary relocation support and clear timelines for the promised new market, as the city grapples with the delicate balance between urban renewal and economic survival.

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Uproar as Nairobi County Demolishes Sections of Gikomba Market Overnight