Gikomba Market, Nairobi’s largest open-air market and one of the country’s busiest trading hubs, is undergoing a major transformation aimed at replacing its congested and makeshift structures with a modern commercial complex.
The development was highlighted by State Department for Internal Security and National Administration Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo in a statement posted on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
Omollo said the redevelopment is intended to address longstanding challenges that have affected the market, including perennial fires, flooding and congestion.
“Gikomba, the largest open-air market in Nairobi and the country, is undergoing a major transformation from a congested, makeshift trading hub into a modern commercial complex,” Omollo said.
He noted that the crowded structures at the market had “for years made the market vulnerable to perennial fires and flooding,” adding that the Government is addressing the challenges through a comprehensive upgrade.
Also Read: NCIC summons Gachagua over alleged hate speech
The project follows the initial clearance of informal timber structures along the Nairobi River corridor earlier this year, with Omollo saying the first phase of the redevelopment is progressing well.
“Following the initial clearance of informal timber structures along the Nairobi River corridor earlier this year, Phase One of the project is advancing well,” he said.
Three multi-storey market blocks have already been constructed, with roofing and internal installations underway.
According to Omollo, the first phase will provide well-ventilated and numbered multi-level stalls capable of accommodating up to 7,000 traders.
Inside the market
The facility will also feature a dedicated fish-processing zone designed to serve about 300 traders.
Beyond trading spaces, the new market will have a range of social and support facilities, including a day-care centre, modern kitchens and sanitation facilities.
Other planned amenities include an ICT hub, youth community centre, basement parking, waste collection points and an integrated fire station
The redevelopment also incorporates the restoration of the Gikomba riverfront under the Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Programme.
“Retaining walls are strengthening the riverbanks, while plans provide for recreational spaces and sports fields alongside the rehabilitated waterway, creating a safer and more functional public environment,” Omollo said.
Also Read: Bomet County hits historic Ksh634 Million in own-source revenue
The riverfront component is expected to help improve the safety and functionality of the area while supporting efforts to address flooding and environmental degradation along the Nairobi River.
Omollo further said the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration would complement the physical redevelopment by strengthening the administrative and inter-agency framework required to maintain security and order at the upgraded market.
“The State Department for Internal Security and National Administration will complement the physical transformation by strengthening the administrative and inter-agency framework needed to keep the upgraded market secure and orderly,” he said.
He added that the measures were aimed at ensuring the investment provides lasting benefits to traders and members of the public.
The redevelopment represents a major shift for Gikomba, which has for decades operated through informal and often congested structures, exposing traders and customers to safety, sanitation and environmental challenges.
Once completed, the modern market is expected to provide safer and more organised trading spaces while improving emergency response, sanitation, parking and access to social amenities for thousands of traders and visitors.
advertisement
