Ruto commits to Gikomba revamp, blames land grabbers for delays
By Cynthia Lodite, April 9, 2026President William Ruto has lauded the leadership of Gikomba Market for stepping up to firmly address the challenges faced by the traders.
Speaking on Thursday, April 9, 2026, during the special address of the Nairobi County Assembly, Ruto explained the events that led to the transformation of Gikomba marker one of the largest open markets in Africa.
According to Ruto, the vision of transitioning Gikomba was brought forth by the leadership of the open market, an initiative that the President said was touching.
“I was very touched when I saw the leadership of Gikomba Market step forward and say we want our market to be built, stop the politics, and I had a long chat with them,” Ruto said.
Ruto explained that the leaders explained the challenges faced by the traders, especially during heavy rains.
“The leadership of Gikomba came to see me, they said Mr President, when it rains in Nairobi, we can not go and do our business; we have to wear gumboots, our customers can not get to our stalls, our stalls are flooded, we can not do business this way,” Ruto explained.
Ruto further affirmed that his administration will fully support the traders in having a conducive work environment.
“I am putting public resources to change Gikomba and I am committed. The people i am struggling with are land grabbers, we are going to transform Gikomba in the next six months,” Ruto affirmed.
Ruto’s commitment to Gikomba
Ruto’s remarks come days after he reaffirmed his government’s commitment to proceed with the construction and upgrade of Gikomba Market, despite mounting criticism from opposition leaders.
Speaking during the Maendeleo Ya Wanawake meeting at State House, Nairobi on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, Ruto stated that the plan was informed by prior consultations with the market’s leadership, who had requested government intervention to modernise the trading hub.
“I held discussions with Gikomba market leaders, and they asked me to help them upgrade the facility. This is a commitment we must honour,” Ruto said.
His remarks come at a time when opposition figures have faulted the government over the handling of recent developments at the market, including concerns about the welfare of traders and the manner in which changes are being implemented.
Ruto noted that the upgrade was due to the poor state of the market, which led traders to attend their business in gumboots during rainy seasons.
Ruto dismissed claims that the demolitions are politically driven or based on ethnic considerations, warning against attempts to incite division.
“Some individuals are trying to introduce politics and tribal narratives into the issue, but the project is aimed at improving trading conditions for all Kenyans,” Ruto said.