Speaking after visiting the busy trading centre, the President said the government has already started designing the new market, which is expected to cost about five billion shillings.
He assured traders that the project is part of a broader plan to improve infrastructure and create safer and better working environments for small and medium-sized businesses.
The President described Gikomba as one of the largest and most important markets in the country, serving thousands of traders and customers daily.
He noted that the market supports many families and contributes significantly to the local economy through trade in clothes, household items, and other goods.
However, he acknowledged that the market has faced serious challenges for many years, including poor infrastructure, overcrowding, insecurity, and frequent fire outbreaks that have destroyed goods and affected livelihoods.
According to the President, the new modern market will be designed to solve these long-standing problems.
He explained that the project will include proper stalls, improved drainage systems, organized trading spaces, and safer storage areas.
He said the government also plans to include modern fire prevention and emergency response systems to protect traders and their goods from disasters that have repeatedly affected the market.
The President said the project is not only meant to improve the working environment for traders but also to strengthen Nairobi’s position as a capital city that reflects the country’s progress.
He explained that a modern and well-organized trading centre will help attract investors and support economic growth.
According to him, the project will help make the city more orderly, functional, competitive, and respected internationally.
He also emphasized that improving markets is part of the government’s plan to empower small-scale traders and support job creation.
The President said markets play a key role in providing employment opportunities, especially for young people and women who depend on small businesses for income.
He added that constructing a modern market will help traders grow their businesses and improve their earnings.
The Head of State assured traders that the government will involve them in discussions and planning to ensure the new market meets their needs.
He said their input is important because they understand the daily challenges they face while conducting business.
He also promised that the project will be carried out in a way that minimizes disruption to traders’ activities.