Construction of the new Gikomba Market complex is now 75% complete, with three large commercial blocks taking shape along the Nairobi River just four months after overnight demolitions at the site triggered a wave of public outcry. An artistic impression of Gikomba Market design. Inset is the ongoing construction. The first phase of the redevelopment, estimated at KSh 800 million, will accommodate 5,000 traders under a linear market design currently being built. A further KSh 4.2 billion is earmarked to complete the full modernisation, bringing the total project cost to KSh 5 billion. The first phase is expected to be finished by late 2026, with the entire riverfront redevelopment projected to wrap up within a year. What Gikomba new market will offer The upgraded facility marks a significant departure from the cramped, flood-prone conditions that have long defined Gikomba. The complex will include proper drainage infrastructure, reliable water and electricity connections, cold storage for perishable goods, daycare centres, parking, wider access roads, ICT hubs, and improved sanitation.
River engineering works and new trunk sewers will eliminate sewage discharge into the Nairobi River and address the seasonal flooding that has historically paralysed trading. Gikomba’s history of disaster underscores the urgency of the redevelopment. Major fires struck the market in 2015, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2024. The most recent blaze, on 21 June 2026, killed two people, injured at least 17 others, and destroyed goods worth millions of shillings. Public reactions as Gikomba work progresses Progress on site has not silenced debate. On X (formerly Twitter), BLUESMAN J1K captured the prevailing scepticism: “Nimekuwa Gikomba almost every two days, hapa nikama message ya ol kalou haikufika. Mtashangaa.”
The comment references Ol Kalou, a town in Nyandarua County whose own market upgrade became a cautionary tale of unfulfilled promises. It also carries a political undertone following the Ol Kalou by-election in which the ruling party lost. Others were more encouraged. Terry_ke001 wrote: “The transformation of New Gikomba Market needed boldness of another level, and results are now showing. Such projects reflect the spirit of a government focused on development and putting the interests of ordinary citizens at the centre of the national transformation agenda.” Sir Jontee added: “Congestion and poor sanitation made trading a nightmare at old Gikomba. President Ruto builds the New Gikomba Market so traders work in dignity, free from floods and disease risks as he promised.” Not all reactions were positive. Nel2023 wrote: “But Ruto is so unimaginative. That looks like another affordable house slum scraper. Not a functional market.” Gikomba market chairman Mbugua Kibathi defended the demolition process, stating: “There is nothing like illegal demolition. We were given notice, and we are working with the government. What is coming is a modern market that will benefit all of us.” President William Ruto has also addressed critics directly. “Leaders should keep politics out of Gikomba Market. We want to build a modern market because traders have, for a long time, suffered losses due to fires and rains,” he said, adding that the traders themselves had approached his administration seeking intervention.
The project sits within the broader Nairobi River Regeneration Programme and forms part of a KSh 80 billion cooperation agreement between the national government and Nairobi county. It is also one of 450 modern markets the government plans to construct nationwide. G.Eng Moses Kagunda: “Wantam is working, and the pressure is transforming Kenya” BLUESMAN J1K: “Nimekuwa gikomba almost every two days, hapa nikama message ya ol kalou haikufika. Mtashangaa” George Ogola: “That’s commendable. The president is really overworking. Tutam” Bram: “If a president can build a country, this man has really done it.” That Will Decide 2027 Presidential Vote Sean Ng’etich: “Good work by Ruto, there are way too many filthy markets in Nairobi.” Njuguna kimani: “One of the projects that I congratulate Ruto for is the Nairobi River regeneration project; it is one of the amazing and well thought’. Gikomba Market collapse In June, two people died after the collapse of Block B at Gikomba Market. This devastating incident underscores the precarious conditions faced by traders in the market, already reeling from a recent fire that severely damaged 90% of stalls.
