Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja on Friday met traders from Marikiti and Muthurwa markets to discuss a smooth transition process to the Kangundo Road-based market.
The governor met leaders from the two markets representing the onion, pineapples, potato and orange traders. The meeting is aimed at discussing a smooth transition for their relocation to the Kangundo Road market.
In a statement, Governor Sakaja announced that cess will not be charged at the Kangundo Road market for the next two months as traders settle into their allocated spaces.
The meeting was also attended by Adamson Bungei, Nairobi Police Commander, Steven Mugo- OCS Kamkunji, County Executive, Dr. Anastasia Nyalita from the Business Hustler Opportunity, Chief Officers and the Nairobi County revenue team.
Gachagua’s Address
The meeting and decision to waive taxes on the traders comes after the Deputy president Righati Gachagua addressed the ongoing issues surrounding the relocation of traders in the two markets.
Gachagua emphasized the importance of dialogue and public participation before making any major decisions that impact the livelihoods of the traders.
Also Read: Rigathi Gachagua Profile: Education Background, Family, Career and Politics
Gachagua urged Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja to engage with the market’s leadership to find a better solution that does not disrupt the traders’ economic activities.
He further reminded Sakaja of their commitment during the 2022 campaign to protecting the traders’ interests and ensuring that their voices are heard.
The Deputy President’s call for dialogue comes in response to protests by traders who are opposed to the planned relocation to the new market along Kangundo Road.
Protests and Eviction Concerns
Wakulima Market (Marikiti), a bustling hub in Nairobi, has been at the center of attention. On Thursday, September 12, traders faced an eviction notice from the county government, issued by Governor Sakaja.
County council officers appeared at the market, demanding that traders relocate to the Kangundo Road market. However, the traders did not take this lightly. They argue that Kangundo Road is already fully occupied, and that the eviction would leave them jobless.
Also Read: Sakaja Issues Way Forward Concerning Wakulima Traders Relocation
In their response, the Marikiti traders staged protests beginning from as early as 3 a.m., blocking major roads in and out of Nairobi. Haile Selassie Avenue and Jogoo Road were affected, causing traffic chaos in the capital as bonfires blazed.
The reason cited for the eviction was to decongest Nairobi’s central business district for smoother traffic flow and pedestrian movement.
Police responded to the protests by teargassing the demonstrators. The situation remained tense as traders stood their ground against the eviction plan.
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