Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) has begun the facelift of eight open-air markets in the city. NMS Director-General Mohamed Badi confirmed the report and said that works are underway at the City Park and Muthurwa Markets and are being upgraded by the Public Works directorate.
“The various parking spaces in the market will be upgraded to ensure that there is enough capacity for farmers to deliver their products in the markets,” Badi said.
Currently, Nairobi has 23 built-up markets and 20 open-air markets. The markets which will be upgraded include Muthurwa market, Jericho market, Wakulima market, Uhuru market, City Park market, Toi Market and two markets which are along Landhies Road, and Kayole Spine Road in Embakasi.
The upgrade will see the markets have new-look ablution blocks, modern stalls, parking areas and also link roads for improved accessibility. Parking spaces in the market will also be upgraded to ensure that there is enough capacity for farmers to come and deliver their products in the market.
Modern markets
70% of the renovation works are being done at the City Market are complete. Construction of the market was temporarily suspended in January 2021 after the discovery of a huge cross made of concrete. The National Museums of Kenya later on clarified that the slab was a cover for something beneath the ground.
In 2020, the government completed the construction of modern markets that cost Sh 1.4 billion with the aim of empowering traders. The markets completed are Westlands market which was constructed at Sh 214 million, Starehe constituency at Sh 389 million, Karandini market at Sh 294 million and Gikomba market which was constructed at a cost of Sh 492 million.
Open-air markets provide a means of livelihood for a majority of the Kenyan population. The upgrade of the markets will enable many more Kenyans to venture into the market while also improving the working conditions of those who work in the markets.
