President William Ruto has instructed Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome and Principal Secretary Nixon Korir to finalize the title deed for Nairobi’s Gikomba Market within 90 days, aiming to end disputes caused by unclear ownership that have been exploited by land grabbers.
Speaking on Tuesday during a gathering with Gikomba Market traders at State House, Nairobi, the President emphasized that this measure will resolve the long-standing uncertainty over the market’s land.
“This will once and for all address speculation by land grabbers,” he said, stressing that the market is public land and that the title deed will be registered in the name of Nairobi County. Ruto also called on the officials to coordinate closely with the National Land Commission to complete the process efficiently.
The President further announced that phase three of Gikomba Market will begin construction after the completion of phase two. Before meeting Gikomba traders, Ruto engaged chairpersons and committee members from other Nairobi markets, including Kangundo Road, Wakulima, Muthurwa, Burma, Kangemi, City Park, Othaya (Woodley Jamuhuri), and Kawangware.
Ruto noted that the national government is partnering with Nairobi County to improve waste and garbage management across city markets.
“We are supporting the County Government of Nairobi so that we provide a lasting solution to that challenge,” he said.
He urged market leaders to cooperate with authorities to stop illegal electricity connections and promised support for expanding access to power across the county.
President William Ruto holds a meeting with Nairobi chairpersons and committee members representing several Nairobi County markets at State House on January 20, 2026PHOTO/ PCSThe President also highlighted the government’s broader plan to support traders through the construction of 450 modern markets nationwide. In Nairobi County alone, Sh7.2 billion is being invested in 15 markets, with eight under construction and tenders for the remaining seven either awarded or in procurement.
“These new markets will have adequate water, cold rooms, cyber services, and sanitation, among other facilities. The objective is to address traders’ challenges by ensuring a decent working environment, reducing losses, and increasing incomes,” he said.
Updates on ongoing projects show that a Sh350 million market in Starehe Constituency is 77 per cent complete, while the Sh415 million Maji Mazuri Market in Kasarani Constituency is 72 per cent done and will serve 1,200 traders. In Ruaraka, Mathare North Constituency, a Sh177 million market serving 305 traders is 93 per cent complete. Riruta’s Sh313 million market for 667 traders has reached 36 per cent completion. The Sh1.7 billion Kasarani Wholesale Market is 60 per cent finished, and the Sh729 million Gikomba Block D project for over 1,700 traders is 92 per cent complete.
Construction is also underway for the Sh315 million Uhuru Market in Makadara Constituency, which will feature 853 stalls. In Kangemi, phase one of a Sh275 million market with 750 stalls is ongoing, and phase two, costing the same, is about to enter procurement.
Ruto highlighted the Hustler Fund, which provides affordable loans to traders to reduce reliance on exploitative market lenders.
“Every morning, Sh50 million is borrowed from the Hustler Fund between 3:00 am and 11:00 am. Currently, 800,000 borrowers use the service once or twice a day, and some have graduated to borrowing up to Sh50,000,” he said. Since its launch on November 30, 2022, the fund has disbursed Sh80 billion.
