The Nairobi County Government has received approval to commence the construction of a dedicated Miraa market in the Ziwani area of Starehe Sub-county. This follows a public participation event where local traders expressed their support for the initiative, paving the way for a modern, structured marketplace.
The project is part of Governor Johnson Sakaja’s broader plan to establish 20 modern markets across Nairobi. According to the County Executive Committee Member for Business and Hustler Opportunities, Dr. Anastasia Nyalita, the new Miraa market aligns with the administration’s goal of creating a conducive business environment for traders.
“We are committed to constructing 20 modern markets across the county. So far, we have completed four markets Karen, Mutuini, Kahawa West, and Juja. This will be the fifth, and once completed, we will have a structured plan to allocate spaces to traders,” Dr. Nyalita stated.
During the public participation forum, traders actively engaged with county officials, offering feedback on the project. Their input played a crucial role in shaping the final market plan, ensuring that it caters to their needs. Dr. Nyalita commended the traders for their cooperation and commitment to the project’s success.
County Chief Officer for Markets and Trade, Ms. Jane Wangùi, confirmed that the budget for the Miraa market has been set and that all preparations for construction are in place. She assured traders that the market would be built with modern amenities to enhance their business operations.
“The proposed market will feature essential facilities, including a social hall, a lactation room for breastfeeding mothers, a ramp for people with disabilities, a backup generator, an ICT hub with free WiFi, a perimeter wall for security, and cold rooms for food preservation,” Ms. Wangùi explained.
The construction is expected to proceed without delays, with contractors required to meet the stipulated deadlines. Local leaders, including Utawala Ward MCA Said Karani and former MCAs Doris Kanario and Mberia, welcomed the initiative, expressing their gratitude to the county government for making the long-awaited market a reality.
“We’ve been advocating for the construction of a Miraa market for the last ten years, and we are grateful to the Governor for securing the necessary budget to make this vision come true,” stated MCA Karani.
County Director for Markets, Mr. Joel Muli, assured traders that the market would be built to meet high standards, with additional space to accommodate other traders beyond Miraa vendors. Meanwhile, County Assistant Director for Markets, Mr. David Githaiga, presented the market’s proposed layout, including a designated loading and offloading bay.
With all systems set, the construction of the Ziwani Miraa market is poised to enhance business operations, providing traders with a safe, well-equipped space to thrive.
