Over 1,000 traders have finally occupied their designated spaces in the newly built Githurai Modern Market in Ruiru Sub-County, Kiambu County. This long-anticipated move marks a significant step forward for economic development in the area, with traders now benefiting from enhanced facilities in the Ksh400 million market, which accommodates 1,200 stalls.
The relocation of traders to the new market was overseen by the Kiambu County Government, specifically by the County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Trade, Susan Gatwiri, and Chief Officer Simon Kiberenge, who managed the allocation process. The county government emphasized ensuring that only genuine traders received slots in the market, a process that saw a concerted effort to verify applicants, driven by the county’s leadership under Governor Kimani Wamatangi.
Governor Wamatangi praised the transparent allocation process, affirming that it adhered to the county’s promises of fairness and accountability. “We promised and we have delivered an open, free, and fair process in the vetting of traders and allocation of spaces,” the governor stated. This pledge of transparency was central to the county’s efforts to resolve prior conflicts and bring the facility into operation.
The Githurai 45 Market, which consists of seven sections Migingo/Muiguithania, Post Bank, Kwa Nyanya, Jubilee, New Jubilee, Gateway, and Pamoja Market was officially opened on August 4, 2023, by President William Ruto. Although construction was completed over a year prior, under the administration of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, various issues delayed its operationalization.
Initially, traders were unable to move into the market due to political interference and disputes over the allocation of spaces, which led to protests and heightened security concerns. Many traders had been conducting their businesses along roadsides for over four years, and delays in accessing the new market created frustration among them. In response to these tensions, on October 23, 2023, Governor Wamatangi formed a committee to oversee the allocation process and resolve lingering disputes.
The committee, which comprised officials from the State Department of Housing, the Department of Trade, elected representatives of the market traders, local police, and other provincial administration members, was tasked with using the original list of beneficiaries to allocate stalls. This action was intended to ensure transparency and prevent further conflicts.
The vetting of traders took place on December 6, 2023, at the Kiambu National Polytechnic, where verified traders were assigned specific slots in the market. This meticulous selection process allowed the traders to prepare for occupancy in a facility designed to meet the growing business demands of Githurai’s traders and to support small- to medium-sized businesses in the county.
However, the path to the market’s full operation was not without further challenges. Traders were initially scheduled to relocate on March 21, 2024, but the process was disrupted when a group of individuals, allegedly with the support of two local Members of County Assembly (MCAs), occupied parts of the market. This group also seized spaces in an area designated for a second phase of development, intended to accommodate traders who had missed out on the initial phase.
According to sources, this interference was driven by political struggles over the control of certain lucrative facilities within the market, such as two public toilets that each generate an income of around Sh10,000 per day. Other contentious areas included a hotel located on the fifth floor and a daycare center on the fourth floor, both of which remained unallocated at the time.
The county government took swift action to resolve these issues, reaffirming its commitment to a fair allocation of resources and pushing forward with the plan to accommodate all eligible traders. With over 1,000 traders now established in their stalls, the Githurai Modern Market has become a symbol of economic progress for Ruiru and Kiambu County. By supporting legitimate businesses and enhancing market access for small entrepreneurs, the county government is not only addressing the economic needs of its people but also contributing to a more organized and secure trading environment for the area.
As the traders settle into their new spaces, the Githurai Modern Market represents an evolving landscape for local commerce in Kiambu County. The market’s success serves as an example of how transparent governance and community-focused policies can transform economic prospects at the grassroots level.
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