Sonko to build 20 new high-rise blocks of markets
Nairobi will have an additional 20 multi-storeyed retail markets in the next two years to ease pressure on existing facilities.
The move is expected to provide extra trading space and rid the streets of hawkers.
Their costs, however, will become clear once the tendering process begins.
The new facilities will be constructed by the county government in conjunction with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Nairobi chapter.
This follows a partnership between the chamber’s Nairobi chapter and the Business Advocacy Fund (BAF) to draft a Markets and Infrastructure Bill (M&I) to address the challenges posed by an acute shortage of retail space in the capital.
According to Nairobi Trade Executive Allan Igambi, the Bill aims at enforcing set standards in construction and management of all retail markets across the city.
INCREASE SPACE
“We are trying to ensure that all our markets adhere to set standards, including safety guidelines. We, for example, want to ensure all our markets are storied in order to increase space and ensure safety and health standards are observed,” said Mr Igambi.
Currently, Nairobi has 20 open-air markets and 23 large markets.
According to the draft 2018-2022 County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP), the physical planning ratio shows there should be a market for every 25,000 people. Based on this, Nairobi has a deficit of 126 markets.
The plan, therefore, proposes construction of an additional 20 outlets to be set up in the County Medium Term Plan (MTP III).
“Westlands market for example will have three floors each holding 140 stalls. The construction plan also has a provision for two extra floors to take care of the growing population of hawkers. It should be ready in three months’ time,” he stated.