Tension flared at Gikomba Market after a section of traders blocked government officials over a controversial directive expanding the relocation boundary along the Nairobi River.
The government recently increased the buffer zone from 30 metres to 50 metres as part of an ongoing plan to restore the river and pave the way for the construction of a new modern market.
However, traders have strongly opposed the move, arguing that they had only agreed to vacate land within the initial 30-metre limit.
“We were told 30 metres and we agreed. Where has this 50 come from?” posed trader Nikodemus Mabebe.
The additional 20 metres has become the centre of the dispute, with traders expressing fears that the directive could displace a significantly larger number of businesses than initially anticipated.
“50 metres means the entire market is gone. Where will we go?” questioned Milkah Zawadi.
Some traders have raised concerns about a possible land grab, accusing authorities of lacking transparency in the decision-making process.
Despite the resistance, other voices within the market have supported the government’s plan, insisting that the relocation is necessary and beneficial in the long term.
“Those opposing are cartels. We are being built a new market, whether they like it or not, we will move,” said Mbugua Kibathi.
The Nairobi City County Government has maintained that all traders operating within the 50-metre riparian zone must vacate, citing safety concerns and the need to prevent future flooding.
Johnson Sakaja reiterated that the directive is part of broader efforts to protect residents and restore order along the riverbanks.
“All people living on riparian land must relocate to avoid floods. We have told them before, a report will be filed on Thursday,” Sakaja said.
County officials added that an alternative site has already been identified near the market to temporarily accommodate affected traders as construction of the new facility gets underway.
Traders have now been given until the end of March to vacate the affected areas, after which demolitions are expected to begin.
The standoff comes amid ongoing demolitions in nearby areas such as Grogon and Shauri Moyo, where structures built along riverbanks are being brought down following recent floods.
Authorities say the enforcement exercise is part of a wider initiative to reclaim riparian land, reduce flood risks, and improve urban planning within the capital.
