Traders at the newly constructed Kangundo Road Market in Nairobi are facing uncertainty about their future as the market’s opening nears. The confusion stems from conflicting information about whether the stalls were intended for the local traders or a different group.
Despite the market’s completion, there has been no official opening, leading to frustration among the Kangundo Road traders who feel they have been sidelined. Concerns have been raised about the allocation process, as some traders believe that the stalls were meant for a different set of vendors.
In response to the situation, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja visited the market on September 2, 2024, and instructed the traders to begin operations within the next 14 days. Sakaja emphasized that if the stalls are not occupied by the designated traders soon, they will be reassigned to others in need of business space.
“Since the market’s construction, we conducted public participation, but it appears that the market has not benefited us, the residents and traders of Kangundo Road,” one trader expressed.
County Executive Committee (CEC) for Markets, Jane Wangui, visited the facility on September 3, 2024, and assured traders that efforts would be made to resolve the issues. She committed to facilitating a smooth transition and ensuring that all interested traders are accommodated. The CEC also pledged to address logistical concerns such as poor ventilation, lack of water, and uneven power distribution that have hindered operations.
Originally intended as a wholesale market for traders from Wakulima Market, the Kangundo Road Market has a capacity of over 4,000 stalls. Wangui’s plan includes decongesting other markets in the area to make way for the new market and improve overall trading conditions.
The market’s operational challenges and allocation disputes highlight the need for clear communication and effective management to ensure that the market meets the needs of all traders and becomes a successful hub for business in Nairobi.
