The Kiambu County Government has issued a directive requiring all traders allocated spaces at the newly constructed Githurai 45 Market to occupy their designated stalls by Friday, March 14, 2024. The ultimatum applies to 1,145 traders who were assigned spaces numbered A069 – S13C.
The Sh400 million market, with a capacity of 1,200 stalls, was officially inaugurated on August 4, 2023, by President William Ruto. Its construction was completed under former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration. However, political interference and disputes over the allocation of spaces delayed its full occupation until November 2024.
According to the county government, traders who fail to take up their allocated spaces by the deadline will lose their slots. These spaces will be re-advertised and reassigned, with a new allocation date to be announced later. This move is part of the county’s broader plan to open up the market fully and pave the way for Phase II of its expansion.
The expansion aims to accommodate additional traders who could not secure spaces in the first phase. County officials believe the new market will boost economic activity in the area and ease congestion in the surrounding informal markets, ensuring smoother traffic flow.
The Githurai 45 Market consists of seven major sections: Migingo/Muiguithania, Post Bank, Kwa Nyanya, Jubilee, New Jubilee, Gateway, and Pamoja Market. Traders had been operating from roadside stalls for over four years before the market’s official opening. During its launch, President Ruto urged Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi to address the traders’ concerns regarding space allocation.
Following protests and allegations of political interference, Wamatangi formed a committee on October 23, 2023, to oversee the allocation process. The committee, which included officials from the State Department of Housing, the Department of Trade, market representatives, and security personnel, ensured that the original list of beneficiaries was honored.
Despite an earlier attempt to occupy the market on March 21, 2024, the process was disrupted by goons allegedly linked to local politicians. However, on November 6, 2024, over 1,000 traders finally moved into their stalls. The county government hopes the remaining traders will comply with the directive to ensure the facility operates at full capacity.
