Several Nairobi Members of Parliament have criticised the ongoing demolition of businesses in parts of the capital, warning that the exercise is wiping out the livelihoods of traders and could deepen economic hardship for thousands of families.
In a joint statement issued on March 6, 2026, the legislators said the demolitions are being carried out without proper consultation, relocation arrangements, or clear communication with affected traders. They warned that the approach risks hurting ordinary Kenyans who depend on small businesses for survival.
Leading the group, Embakasi North MP James Gakuya said the demolition exercise began in Githurai on February 18 and has since spread to other areas, including Roysambu.
“We are deeply concerned and strongly condemn the ongoing wave of demolitions targeting traders and small businesses across Nairobi and its outskirts. What we are witnessing is not development it is the systematic destruction of the livelihoods of hardworking Kenyans,” he said.
Gakuya said traders in Roysambu woke up on March 4 to bulldozers tearing down their businesses, leaving many families without a source of income.
According to the lawmakers, the demolitions are expected to reach more trading areas across the city. Markets and commercial centres listed include Tsunami Market, Nyayo Market, Ngara Market, parts of Kamukunji, Gikomba, Embakasi West, City Carton, and Mowlem.
“All this is being justified as part of efforts to clear the Nairobi River corridor,” he added.
While supporting the protection and restoration of the Nairobi River, the MPs argued that environmental conservation should not come at the expense of people whose livelihoods depend on the affected trading spaces.
“Let us be very clear we support environmental protection and proper urban planning. The Nairobi River must be protected and restored. However, what we cannot support is the brutal and careless displacement of wananchi without public participation or alternative arrangements,” Gakuya said.
The legislators also questioned the intention behind some demolitions, noting that areas previously cleared have remained idle for years without development.
“Even more troubling is the fact that some areas previously demolished have remained idle and undeveloped for years. If the intention was genuine development, those areas would already have meaningful projects underway,” he said.
They also reminded the government of pledges made during the 2022 general election campaigns not to demolish homes or businesses without first providing alternative spaces for those affected.
“Kenyans will also remember that during the 2022 general election campaigns, the current government sought the support of wananchi with a clear promise: that never again would houses be demolished or businesses destroyed without providing alternative settlement or trading spaces,” Gakuya said.
The lawmakers warned that the demolitions are taking place at a time when many citizens are already struggling with rising living costs and unemployment.
Starehe MP Amos Mwago said, “At a time when Kenyans are already struggling with a high cost of living, unemployment, and economic hardship, the government has chosen the path of demolition instead of dialogue.”
They further expressed concern over claims among residents that some traders from particular regions may be the ones mostly affected by the exercise, warning that such perceptions could threaten unity.
“There is also a growing concern among wananchi that these demolitions appear to be selectively targeting traders from certain regions, a perception that threatens national unity and must be addressed immediately and transparently,” Gakuya said.
Embakasi Central MP Benjamin Gathiru, also known as Mejja Donk, urged leaders to stand with citizens who elected them.
“I call upon all the elected and nominated leaders to stand and protect the people who elected us and make sure the government respects the people,” he said.
The MPs concluded by demanding that all ongoing demolitions affecting traders in Nairobi be halted immediately and insisted that any redevelopment plans should involve proper consultations and relocation plans for those affected.
“We therefore demand the immediate suspension of all demolitions affecting traders in Nairobi and development must be done with the people not against the people,” the statement read.
The Kenya National Highways Authority has, however, defended the enforcement operations carried out along the Thika Superhighway, saying they are aimed at reclaiming land set aside for public use.
According to the authority, the structures had been built on the road reserve, creating safety risks for motorists and pedestrians within the busy market area.
“The structures had encroached onto the road reserve, posing significant safety risks to thousands of motorists and pedestrians within the busy market area. Over time, this section has recorded numerous road safety incidents - a trend the Authority is firmly committed to reverse,” the statement read.
KeNHA had earlier issued warnings and vacation notices to structures along other sections of the highway, including Delview, Kihunguro, Allsops, and Drive-In, as part of plans to improve traffic flow, create bus bays, and enhance public safety.