Sonko unveils swanky new look for Gikomba market, but no one is impressed – PHOTOS
Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has proposed to turn Gikomba market into a highrise market in the wake of last month’s fire that razed part of it.
The governor says the county and national government are planning to turn East Africa’s biggest open air market into a modern, five-storey market.
“Plans are underway for the construction of a modern Gikomba market in conjunction with the National Government,” said the governor.
According to Sonko, the proposed highrise market will have 525 stalls, all serving and selling different wares.
In building plans he shared on social media, the first floor of the proposed market will have a cold room for 25 fish mongers and 76 clothes stalls.
Kenyans online were however not impressed by Sonko’s grandiose designs, telling the governor that they want the market left as it because it serves the poor.
Others were concerned at the possible grabbing of the market’s vast land.
Nothing beats selecting clothes/vegetables from open air.Who will afford rent for concrete?Gikomba serves 90% poor and struggling of this country.That proposed structure will become a mall.Try user friendly plans.Spellcheck ‘Propsed’
— Lilliana Bwire (@LillianaBwire) July 19, 2018
What happens to the existing parcel of land that gikosh currently sits on? Is there a private developer eyeing that land? Are you telling us that that proposed mall is fire proof? What’s the budget? Proposed rent? That project raises more questions than answers
— John Macharia (@MachariaIsMe) July 19, 2018
Before cartels disagree to agree on the kick backs time will already have lapsed…. where on earth this traders will be surviving on……do you want to tell us that people working in gikomba will temporarily cease to eat, have shelter, take their children to school
— K.I.O.G.O.R.A (@kiogora_george) July 19, 2018
Are the shops going cost the traders more, less or the same? Because if its more then the current traders will be left disenfranchised.
— Benjamin Milimo (@BenjaminMilimo) July 19, 2018
What happened to the westlands market
— Arch Libwege (@libwegeaganya) July 19, 2018