Informal traders and residents affected by the Kenya Railways project in Nairobi’s Kibra Constituency have petitioned the Senate, claiming intimidation, forced evictions, selective demolitions, and displacement without due process.

The petition, tabled before the Senate by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, was presented on behalf of traders and residents from Laini Saba Market in Laini Saba and Woodley wards, who say they have suffered economic losses following the implementation of the railway project.

“We, the undersigned citizens of the Republic of Kenya, residents and former traders of Laini Saba Market operating within Laini Saba and Woodley Wards in Kibra Constituency, draw the attention of the Senate,” the petition read.

The petitioners state that they are informal traders and residents who have occupied the area for many years and are duly identified and enumerated as project-affected persons.

Violation of rights

However, they accuse Kenya Railways Corporation of violating their rights during the implementation of the project.

“Despite our long-standing occupation and prior enumeration, Kenya Railways Corporation has subjected us to intimidation, harassment, selective demolitions, arrest of leaders, backdated notices, forced evictions, and displacement without due process or fair administrative action,” the petition stated.

The traders further claim that the demolitions were deliberately timed to inflict maximum economic harm.

“The timing of the demolitions and evictions has often coincided with peak business periods, thereby disrupting our businesses, livelihoods, and economic survival,” they stated.

They also argue that the actions amounted to discrimination against vulnerable communities.

“The actions complained of amount to unfair, oppressive, and discriminatory treatment against marginalised traders and residents,” the petition said.

No public participation

The petitioners further fault Kenya Railways and other public agencies for failing to involve them adequately in decisions affecting their livelihoods.

They say the project was implemented without proper public participation, transparency, and a failure to uphold accountability in the planning, procurement, implementation, and relocation processes affecting the petitioners.

They also raised concerns over the relocation sites, saying they are structurally deficient, inadequately designed, economically unviable, insecure, and lack basic amenities and supporting infrastructure, including water, sanitation, access roads, and disability-friendly facilities.

According to the petition, previous efforts to seek intervention from Nairobi City County, Kenya Railways and relevant national government ministries failed to yield satisfactory responses.

The traders have now asked the Senate to investigate the matter and recommend compensation and proper resettlement.

“Wherefore, your humble petitioners pray that the Senate investigates this matter with a view to recommending that the affected traders and residents are granted appropriate compensation for the loss and disruption suffered as a result of the Kenya Railways project and be resettled in adequate, safe, and functional facilities to enable them sustainably carry on their trade and livelihoods,” the petition stated.