Traders at the Wakulima Market, popularly known as Marikiti Market in Nairobi, are up in arms against the county government’s planned evictions, vowing to halt all operations until the authorities withdraw the eviction notice. The traders are facing pressure from County Council officers who, on Wednesday evening, appeared at the market premises and demanded they relocate to the Kangundo Road market.
The traders argue that the new market at Kangundo Road is already fully occupied and cannot accommodate them, raising fears of job losses and disruption of their livelihoods. Michael Wachira, one of the affected traders, voiced his concerns over the county government’s approach. “This market brings about Ksh.500,000 every day to the county government. If they knew what they were doing, they would collect that money for two or three years and build a bigger market that would accommodate all of us,” Wachira stated.
The situation escalated on Thursday morning as the traders, feeling pushed to the wall, resorted to protests by lighting fires and blocking main access roads leading to the market. The traders’ protest aimed to draw attention to the plight of small business owners who feel ignored in the county’s redevelopment plans. However, the peaceful protest soon turned chaotic when police officers arrived at the scene and lobbed teargas canisters to disperse the crowd, causing panic among the traders and further disrupting the day’s activities.
The traders lament that the eviction notice was issued on very short notice, making it difficult for them to find alternative trading spaces or adequately plan for relocation. They argue that the county government’s decision lacks consideration for the complexities of their businesses and the daily livelihoods they support. Many of these traders have been operating at Marikiti Market for decades, and the sudden eviction notice threatens not only their businesses but also the wider economic ecosystem that the market supports.
“The county government needs to understand that we are not against development or moving to a better market. What we are against is being evicted without a proper plan in place. Kangundo Road market is full, where are we supposed to go?” said another trader, who preferred to remain anonymous. The traders have called on the Nairobi County government to reconsider the eviction and instead work collaboratively to find a viable solution that supports all stakeholders involved.
The Marikiti Market is one of Nairobi’s busiest and oldest trading hubs, serving as a crucial source of fresh produce for the city’s residents. It has been a cornerstone of small-scale trade and commerce, contributing significantly to the county’s revenue. Traders like Wachira argue that the county government’s focus should be on expanding and upgrading existing markets to meet the growing demand rather than displacing traders without clear alternatives.
The ongoing standoff at Marikiti Market has disrupted normal trading activities, affecting thousands of traders and customers who rely on the market for daily necessities. The market, which sees hundreds of traders selling fruits, vegetables, and other goods, plays a pivotal role in Nairobi’s food supply chain. The uncertainty surrounding the eviction has left traders on edge, with many unsure of what the future holds for their businesses.
The traders are now appealing to Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja to intervene and provide a sustainable solution. They are demanding that any relocation plans be accompanied by adequate notice, proper consultations, and the assurance of sufficient space at the new market. Until then, the traders have vowed to continue their protests and halt operations, standing firm in their belief that their voices must be heard.
As the situation unfolds, the county government is yet to release a statement addressing the traders’ concerns or outlining the next steps in handling the eviction. The outcome of this standoff could set a precedent for how similar disputes are managed in the future, as traders continue to fight for their rights and livelihoods in Nairobi’s rapidly evolving urban landscape.
