State House meeting brings together Gikomba, Muthurwa, Wakulima and Kangemi leaders as President promises power, water and waste solutions
President William Ruto on Tuesday turned his attention to Nairobi’s traders, declaring that his administration is “delivering on its promise to mama mboga and small-scale traders” through an ambitious programme to modernise markets, expand access to affordable credit and end exploitation by shylocks.
Speaking after a high-level engagement at State House, Nairobi, President Ruto said the government is constructing 450 modern markets across the country, a flagship initiative aimed at improving working conditions, boosting hygiene and enhancing the dignity of traders.
“We are delivering on our promise to traders, including mama mboga, by building 450 modern markets across the country. We have also rolled out the Hustler Fund to ensure they have access to affordable credit and tame exploitation by shylocks,” the President said.
The meeting brought together chairpersons and committee members from major Nairobi markets, underscoring the political and economic weight of the city’s informal and small-scale trading sector. Represented markets included Gikomba, Muthurwa, Wakulima, Kangemi, City Park, Burma, Kawangware, Othaya Market (Woodley/Jamhuri) and markets along Kangundo Road.
At the centre of the discussions was a Ksh7.2 billion investment earmarked for the construction of 15 new modern markets in Nairobi. According to President Ruto, eight markets are already under construction, while seven others have either been awarded tenders or are currently under procurement.
The President noted that the market projects are designed to decongest trading areas, improve safety, and create structured trading spaces that can support thousands of livelihoods.
Traders also raised long-standing concerns over power outages, water shortages and waste management, issues that have crippled operations in key markets such as Gikomba and Muthurwa for years.
President Ruto said the national government is working closely with the Nairobi County Government to address these challenges comprehensively.
“Power and water challenges were discussed and a plan agreed on. We are also working with the county government to comprehensively and effectively deal with waste and garbage management, with a plan to be rolled out shortly,” he said.
The State House engagement is widely seen as a strategic political move, positioning traders—often decisive urban voters—at the centre of the Kenya Kwanza economic agenda ahead of 2027.
With bulldozers already on site and billions committed, the President’s market push is shaping up as one of the most visible tests of his bottom-up economic promise.
