Maji Mazuri Market in Kasarani nears completion as Sakaja pushes 20-market plan

Maji Mazuri Market in Kasarani is 98 per cent complete, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has said, as the county government moves to expand and modernise trading infrastructure across the capital.

Sakaja made the announcement after inspecting the ongoing construction of the three-block market, which is being developed on an 8.4-acre parcel of land in Kasarani.

The Governor said the land, which had previously been grabbed, is being reclaimed for public use and transformed into a modern trading centre featuring improved market shades, adequate parking and modern sanitation facilities.

“I am pleased to announce that Maji Mazuri Market, which has three blocks, is now 98 per cent complete. The once-grabbed 8.4-acre piece of land is now being transformed into a modern market where our mama mbogas and other business people can trade with dignity,” Sakaja said.

The project forms part of the Nairobi City County Government’s programme to construct and modernise 20 markets across the capital’s 17 sub-counties.

The county says the programme is aimed at improving the working environment for small-scale and informal traders while creating opportunities for young entrepreneurs and supporting local economic activity.

Sakaja also provided an update on the redevelopment of Gikomba Market, which he said is now 60 per cent complete.

The Governor criticised efforts to politicise the development projects, saying political distractions would not stop his administration from delivering the planned markets.

“Gikomba, on the other hand, is 60 per cent complete and will transform that area. It is unfortunate that when we are working to change the story of our business people, some politicians choose to politicise such projects. But they will not derail us. We are focused, and we shall complete all the 20 markets and launch them to benefit our people,” he said.

The market development programme is part of the county government’s broader efforts to improve trading infrastructure and provide safer, cleaner and more organised spaces for Nairobi’s small and informal businesses.

Once completed, the projects are expected to improve access to formal trading facilities while supporting livelihoods and strengthening economic activity within neighbourhoods across the city.