Nairobi County Announces Plan for 20 Modern Markets to Boost Business and Employment Opportunities
Nairobi City County Government has unveiled an ambitious plan to construct 20 new modern markets across seven sub-counties over the next four years, aiming to expand business opportunities and support informal traders. The targeted sub-counties include Westlands, Roysambu, Starehe, Embakasi East, Embakasi North, Dagoretti South, and Kibra. The initiative, spearheaded by the County’s Business and Hustler Opportunity Sector in collaboration with the State Department for Housing and Urban Development, was discussed during public participation forums, reinforcing the county’s commitment to inclusive urban planning and economic empowerment.
Speaking at Kariokor Social Hall, Director for Markets Ms. Joyce Kyengo highlighted the pressing need for additional trading spaces, noting that the county currently manages over 8,000 stalls across 47 markets—insufficient to accommodate the rising number of traders due to job losses, rural-urban migration, and a growing informal sector. The new modern markets are expected to provide reliable water supply, adequate parking, improved security, proper lighting, and a conducive environment for trading. They are also projected to increase employment for youths, women, and persons with disabilities (PWDs), while improving access to affordable goods for Nairobi residents.
The county has already begun the groundwork, with Mutuini Market in Dagoretti South marking the first site for construction. The Markets and Trade sub-sector has conducted assessments to identify suitable locations based on land availability and integration with the County Development Plans. The launch of these modern markets forms part of Nairobi’s broader vision to become a city of order, dignity, hope, and opportunities, offering residents improved business infrastructure and supporting the county’s urban economic growth.