Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has urged more than 6,300 traders at New Gikomba Market to remain calm and support government plans to relocate them from the Nairobi River area.
Kindiki said the relocation is necessary to allow construction of a modern multi storey market that will improve trading conditions and safety for thousands of small scale traders in Nairobi.
Speaking during an inspection tour of development projects in Kirinyaga County, he asked traders to ignore calls from opposition leaders urging them to resist the move.
He assured them that the government has records of all current traders and that they will be given priority once the new market is complete.
Kindiki said the planned seven storey facility is part of broader efforts to modernise markets and reduce congestion in the capital.
Traders assured as relocation plan progresses
He emphasised that the government only needs a few months to complete construction, urging traders to cooperate for their long term benefit.
At the same time, Kindiki criticised former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over remarks seen as disrespectful to women leaders in the Mt Kenya region.
He warned against political insults and dismissed claims of individuals controlling the region, saying leadership choices will be determined by Kenyans in the 2027 general election.
During the visit, Kindiki also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upgrading the Makutano route into a dual carriageway.
He said construction of the road will begin before the end of the year and will improve connectivity between Kirinyaga, Embu, Tharaka Nithi and Meru counties.
The project is expected to boost regional trade and ease transport challenges by introducing three lanes to handle increasing traffic.
The government says the infrastructure upgrades form part of a wider plan to support economic growth and improve livelihoods across the region.
