South B to get Sh350 million market

A modern market construction project has begun in South B shopping centre, Nairobi, after residents successfully reclaimed land from a private developer.

For much of last year, residents held demonstrations to protest the developer’s fencing off of the land earmarked for the project.

The dispute was resolved after area MCA Waithera Chege filed a petition with the Nairobi County Assembly Lands Committee, which ruled that the land belongs to the public.

“We have been fighting issues of land grabbing in South B. We reclaimed the land that had been taken by an MP and have now agreed to construct a modern market on the site,” said Waithera, who is also the Deputy Minority Leader.

Waithera said the national government allocated Sh350 million for the project, which is expected to be completed in seven months.

She noted that the enumeration process was underway to ensure the rightful tenants and landlords benefit.

“We are working with the county government to ensure bonafide tenants and landlords get these shops once construction is complete,” she added.

The market, which will accommodate about 2,700 traders, is designed to include three floors, a lactating area for nursing mothers, and other facilities.

James Maina, chairman of the traders, welcomed the project, saying it would transform their lives.

“We have been selling on roadsides for over 30 years. The market will be a game changer, uplifting the economic status of South B,” said Maina.

The construction will also create jobs for about 300 local youths during the building process.