Marikiti traders agree to relocate to Kangundo road market

By Peter Ochieng

Finally! Small scale traders from Marikiti (Wakulima) and parts of Muthurwa market have agreed to relocate to Kangundo road market.

They agreed to relocate, after a long meeting chaired by Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja, and attended by among others, Nairobi police boss Adamson Bungei. Marikiti Market chairperson Paul Maina also known as Tonnie, confirmed that the meeting resulted in an agreement.

“After discussions with the governor, we are convinced that we will benefit more from Kangundo Market. It is modern, with space for over 5,000 traders, and we are ready for a smooth transition,” said Maina.

Governor Sakaja on his part said his administration means well for every Nairobian. “We mean well and cannot allow our people to suffer. This move will ensure that traders have a better space for improved services,” he said.

“We understand that moving your businesses will cause disruption, so for the next two months, you won’t pay anything,” he declared a two-month tax waiver.

On Thursday, running battles between the traders and police were witnessed in the city, as the traders opposed relocation to the new Kangundo road market. Governor Sakaja’s administration had directed onion, potatoes, oranges and pineapple traders to relocate to the new market, in a bid to decongest the city.

The ugly confrontation prompted Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to have a sit-down with the traders, for a best possible solution.

“My younger brother governor Johnson Sakaja, traders from Wakulima Market, Nairobi County, have called me and reminded me of the undertaking you and I jointly gave them in July 2022 as I campaigned for you in Muthurwa. We gave a commitment that our administration will never disrupt their lives or undermine their economic activities,” said the DP in a social media post.

“Our constitution provides for public participation before any major decisions that have a serious impact on the welfare of our citizens are taken. Kindly, do consider having a sitting with the leadership of the market to agree on whatever changes your government desires without adversely affecting their livelihoods. These traders gave you their trust and vote and it is only fair you give them an ear.”

“My elder brother H.E. Rigathi Gachagua, you have my number,” Gachagua responded.