President Ruto announces plans to build Ksh.5B modern Gikomba market
President William Ruto has unveiled plans to build a Ksh.5 billion modern market in Gikomba, Nairobi, as part of a broader effort to upgrade trading infrastructure in the city.
Speaking during the signing of a collaboration agreement between the national government and Nairobi City County Government at State House, on Tuesday, the president stated that the modern market will serve Kenyans across the country and position Gikomba as a competitive trading centre.
He noted that the venture is part of campaign promises made with Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja to build 20 modern markets in the city, with 12 to be delivered by the national government and eight by the county government.
“I was in Gikomba, and we are now designing a modern national market. I have given my undertaking that we are going to build a Ksh.5 billion modern market in Gikomba. This will strengthen Nairobi’s standing as a capital worthy of the republic it serves, orderly, functional, competitive, and globally respected,” he stated.
The project comes amid persistent fires that have plagued Gikomba Market over the years, destroying property worth millions of shillings and leaving traders counting losses.
The repeated incidents have raised concerns over the market’s safety standards and infrastructure.
Last year, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki directed police to investigate the cause of the numerous fires at the market, noting that a long-term solution was needed, including the construction of a modern facility fully equipped with fire control systems.
“The government has instructed relevant agencies to investigate the cause of the frequent inferno in the markets within Nairobi City County, including Gikomba and Toi Market, and provide comprehensive long-term solutions to avoid recurrence,” read part of Kindiki’s statement on April 9, 2025.
