Nairobi, 15th May, 2026
Governor Sakaja Johnson has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fundamentally transform Gikomba Market into a modern economic hub, following a progress tour of the ongoing Riverfront souk market construction.
The project, which stretches from Pumwani road to Lamu road along the Nairobi River, represents a strategic shift in how the city will manage its largest informal trading center. The first phase currently under construction includes three massive blocks designed to provide dignified trading spaces for over 6,000 traders.
”For decades, Gikomba has been defined by its resilience in the face of fires and perennial flooding. We are changing that narrative,” said Governor Sakaja.
“The new Riverfront souk is not just about stalls; it’s about restoring the dignity of our traders. We are building a space where a mother doesn’t have to worry about mud or the safety of her wares when the rains come.”
A key feature of the project is the integration of comprehensive river engineering and the installation of new trunk sewers. This infrastructure will eliminate the discharge of sewerage into the Nairobi River and end the flooding that has historically crippled the market during rainy seasons.
”We are solving the environmental challenges of Gikomba once and for all,” the Governor added. “By fixing the drainage and engineering the riverfront, we are protecting both the environment and the livelihoods of thousands of Nairobians. This first phase will be ready in six months, and we will not move to the next stage until we have fully engaged the next group of traders and agreed on a suitable decanting site. No one will be left behind in this transition.”
The Governor noted that all traders currently moved from the construction site have been factored into the new blocks, ensuring that the existing Gikomba community remains the primary beneficiary of the modernization project.
The completion of the first phase by late 2026 will mark a major milestone in the Governor’s “Green City in the Sun” urban renewal agenda.
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