NAIROBI, Kenya- Nairobi County is taking decisive action to breathe new life into Kangundo Road Market. Stall owners have been given a clear ultimatum: start operations within two weeks, or lose their stalls to traders eager to kickstart their businesses.
This directive comes from Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, who expressed frustration over the slow progress in getting the market up and running.
During a recent visit to the market, Governor Sakaja didn’t mince words about his dissatisfaction.
He pointed out that many stall owners had acquired their plots not to run businesses but to rent them out, a practice he believes has stalled the market’s development.
To address this, Sakaja instructed the County Executive Committee (CEC) for Markets to devise a plan within two weeks to officially open the market, which can accommodate over 4,000 traders.
“The time for delays is over,” Sakaja remarked, signaling a push towards a more vibrant and operational marketplace.
Jane Wangui, the CEC for Markets, also toured the facility and pledged to work closely with traders to ensure the market becomes fully operational.
Wangui emphasized the importance of decongesting other markets in the area to facilitate a smoother transition for traders relocating to Kangundo Road Market.
She assured the traders that their concerns, particularly regarding poor ventilation, lack of water, and uneven power distribution, would be addressed promptly.
In a move to tackle one of the key issues, Wangui promised that the County Government would service the market’s borehole to ensure a reliable water supply—a crucial step in making the market more functional.
While traders have voiced legitimate concerns about the market’s current state, they’ve welcomed the County Government’s decision to push for full operation.
They see this move as a vital step toward revitalizing the market and creating a bustling business environment. The allocation of stalls to committed traders, coupled with the planned infrastructure improvements, is expected to set Kangundo Road Market on the path to success.
With the Nairobi County Government’s firm stance and promises of collaboration, Kangundo Road Market is poised for a much-needed transformation.
If the plans unfold as expected, the market could soon become a thriving hub for over 4,000 traders, offering a new lease of life to Nairobi’s commercial landscape.
