Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has announced that President William Ruto will officially open the new Wakula Market in the next three weeks.
The governor stated on Wednesday when he visited the area to inspect the ongoing project along Nairobi’s Kangundo road, that the few disputes over stall allocation would have been resolved by then.
The governor also stated that the traders who operate in the parking lot outside the market have been listed and will be accommodated within the building.
“Immediately after the opening ceremony, stall owners will elect their officials who will be responsible for (the) management of the market, including running the amenities like toilets and parking,” Governor Sakaja said.
The governor also stated that the offices of the area MCA and Ward Administrator would be housed within the market.
The Sh800 million market will accommodate traders who have been displaced by road expansion projects in Kangundo Road, Mutindwa, and Dagoretti.
The governor was accompanied by his deputy Njoroge Muchiri, Embakassi Central MP Mark Githiru, Embakassi West MP Mark Mwenje, and Mowlem Ward MCA Martin Wairobi.
The Embakasi West MP requested that the governor donate county land in the area for the construction of a secondary school and a social hall.
MCA Wairobi, for his part, urged President Ruto and the Governor to expedite the disbursement of the hustler fund, a capital injection initiative to benefit small traders pledged by the Kenya Kwanza team.
During the campaigns, the governor promised to keep the city running smoothly and to provide a pleasant working environment for the traders.
The President also assured Nairobi traders that his administration would build more markets within the country to protect their businesses.
In addition, the government is expected to build permanent markets in Gikomba Market, as promised during the campaigns.
