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NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS

The Nairobian

Kajiado traders call for fair allocation of market stalls

Counties

By Peterson Githaiga | Mar 26, 2025

**Kajiado County trade CEMC Leah Marias address traders during a meeting ahead of the local market traders relocation to the newly constructed ultra modern market in Kitengela** **town on Tuesday.** [Peterson Githaiga]

Trouble is brewing in Kitengela town, Kajiado County, ahead of local traders’ relocation to the newly constructed ultra modern market.

According to Kitengela Market Welfare Association Chairman Samwel Mugo Kibe, the county government has failed to provide clear directions on how the traders will be allocated space before they move to the new site.

“We are not refusing to relocate, but we want the county officers to follow due process in allocating us space in the new market. We do not want a situation where those who have been in this market for many years will loose their positions,” said Kibe.

A letter filed by their advocate dated March 17, 2025, and seen by the Standard, noted that in 2015, a register containing the names of all traders was created, with 1,448 members who were allocated space in the old facility.

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The letter further indicated that the list of beneficiaries was supposed to be filed in a Kajiado court, and both parties were to agree on the members listed who were in the register, a process that has not yet been completed.

However, Kajiado county government, in collaboration with Kitengela Municipality, has assured traders that only those who were relocated from the old market will receive slots in the new facility.

Original register

Speaking during a stormy meeting at Kitengela town on Tuesday, County Trade Executive Leah Marias, said the plan to relocate the traders has been completed and the exercise will take place on April 4, 2025.

“We are not turning back, we are ready for the exercise, however, I am assuring you that we will follow the first register containing names of 1,448 traders,” said Marias.

She assured traders that the effects of the disruption to their livelihoods will be reduced as much as possible.

Kitengela Municipality Chairman Julius Ntaiya, appealed to the residents not to allow a repeat of what was witnessed during the 2015 skirmishes where scores of people were injured over the same matter.