Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja firmly denies rumours implying plans to sell Wakulima Market, which serves as an essential wholesale hub in the city, and explained the need to relocate traders to address the ongoing overcrowding that is affecting their operations and limiting customer access.
Originally intended for 1,200 traders and 92 wholesaler parking spaces, Wakulima Market is now overflowing with nearly 5,000 traders and over 300 trucks operating daily.
This situation has resulted in heavy traffic, which poses risks for both vendors and pedestrians.
In a recent media appearance, Governor Sakaja noted that after engaging in discussions with many traders, he found that most are actually open to the idea of moving to less congested markets.
They acknowledge that the overcrowding makes it difficult for customers to access their stores and navigate to designated trading areas because many hawkers operate outside the established market space.
Sakaja has also criticized political figures who he believes are manipulating the situation to disrupt his administration’s plans, suggesting that some have ulterior motives and are trying to create division among traders regarding the relocation.
