Demolitions at Nairobi’s Gikomba Market have left hundreds of traders counting heavy losses.
After county bulldozers flattened part of the busy shoe section in an overnight operation linked to Nairobi River cleanup and market redevelopment plans.
Stalls flattened overnight
The demolitions, carried out on the night of March 30–31, targeted structures built along the riparian reserve of the Nairobi River.
Where authorities say traders had been ordered to vacate after an eviction notice expired.
By Tuesday morning, rows of stalls that had been full of second‑hand shoes the previous day were reduced to rubble, with goods buried, destroyed, or looted in the chaos.
“This is Gikomba Market, the shoes section… there is no stock, all are gone.
Where will we eat? How will we pay rent?” one trader lamented in a live stream from the site.
Traders count losses and question the process
Thousands of small‑scale traders are now staring at losses running into millions of shillings in a market where most operate hand‑to‑mouth.
Some said they only learned their stalls had been demolished via phone calls at night.
Also, accusing authorities of moving in before alternative selling areas were fully prepared.
Others complained that the demolition team exceeded agreed boundaries along the river.
In addition to wiping out stalls that traders believed were outside the 30‑meter riparian zone.
There are also allegations of exploitation as displaced traders seek new spaces.
Gikomba leaders cited individuals allegedly demanding money from affected sellers to secure temporary spots.
Despite official assurances that holding areas were available for up to 4,000 traders.
River cleanup and market redevelopment
The county operation is part of a broader riparian clearance drive and the national Nairobi River restoration program.
This requires traders to move at least 30–50 meters from the riverbank to reduce flood risk and open up a planned riverfront.
Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga has said Gikomba will be redeveloped into a modern, multi-story trading hub within six months.
Additionally, with construction phased to minimize disruption and alternative spaces set aside.
For traders picking through debris, however, the promise of future stalls offers little comfort in the face of immediate rent, school fees, and loan repayments.
Gikomba has long been seen as a ladder for small businesses to grow from a few bales to full‑time enterprises.
Is once again a scene of distress as its residents try to rebuild after yet another abrupt restructuring push.
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