Hundreds of traders in Kasarani and Starehe constituencies are set to benefit from the construction of two modern markets at Maji Mazuri and South B. The Ksh750 million projects will provide secure and organized trading spaces for 2,000 traders daily, with capacity for an additional 1,000 traders on designated market days.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony at the South B Market site, Lands, Public Works, Housing, and Urban Development Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome announced that contractors M/S Debroso Construction Company Limited and M/S Jyan Construction Service Limited have officially taken over the sites, each measuring one acre. The projects are expected to be completed within a year.

“Providing secure trading spaces for thousands of traders is a key priority under the Kenya Kwanza Manifesto and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). This initiative is a collaboration between the State Department for TVETs, Jua Kali organizations, and other stakeholders. Local Jua Kali artisans will construct the market stalls and be paid directly from the project funds,” said CS Wahome.

The construction phase will create 800 jobs, with Jua Kali artisans receiving technical support and financial assistance to supply materials, strengthening their capacity to bid for larger projects in the future.

Maji Mazuri market set to accommodate 1,000 traders daily, expanding to 1,500 on market days while South B Will host 900 traders daily, increasing to 1,500 during peak trading days.

The markets will feature stalls for fresh farm produce,fish,beef, clothing and household goods, boosting economic activity and enhancing Nairobi city county’s own source revenue, which will improve service delivery across the capital.
This initiative is part of the government’s broader plan to modernize and expand 400 markets in key trading centers nationwide, creating a more structured and efficient business environment for informal traders.