Mombasa Orders Traders Out of Makupa/Majengo Market

The Mombasa County Government has asked all traders at the Makupa/Majengo Market to vacate the premises within 45 days in order for a new, modern trading center to be built.

In a notice to all traders at the market, which has been issued through the Department of Trade, Culture, and Tourism, the County Government has directed all traders at the market to clear their goods and dismantle their stalls within 45 days from the date of the notice.

The notice claims that the decision has been made in order for enough space to be created for the redevelopment works, which will result in a more contemporary market.

Action plan for relocation and temporary facility

After its announcement to relocate traders from their current trading location on Majengo Road to a newly established temporary open site, the County Director of Trade has developed a plan for relocating traders in an orderly manner to minimize conflicts between the three involved parties.

The location of the new facility, as stated in the above announcement, will provide traders with better storage facilities, improved security, and a better trading environment for their customers.

According to the notice, the new facilities would help establish a better-structured and hygienic environment for traders.

The traders are reminded by the notice to remove their belongings within the given time frame.

“All affected traders are urged to comply within the stipulated timeframe to avoid enforcement action in accordance with county laws,” the notice read.

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Alignment with the National Economic Agenda

The redevelopment of the area forms part of the wider Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) that aims to assist micro, small and medium businesses in all parts of the country.

County officials state that upgrading market facilities is key to enhancing the capacity of small-scale traders, who represent the bulk of the informal economy in Mombasa.

Authorities project that construction of the new market will take less than 12 months.

Once complete, priority in the allocation of stalls will be granted to traders currently operating within and around the existing facility.

The notice was signed by Peter Migosi, the Acting Director of Trade in the Department of Tourism, Culture and Trade, who expressed appreciation for the traders’ expected cooperation during the transition period.

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Mixed Reactions as Disruption Looms

There are mixed feelings due to the anticipated disruption of operations as a result of the proposed redevelopment project that will require relocating hundreds of vendors from their long-standing marketplace operating in Makupa/Majengo for many years.

The short-term challenges associated with relocating vendors may create logistical and financial hardships for vendors, but officials believe the long-term benefits will be considerable.

According to the county government, the benefits of being able to serve in an upgraded commercial centre with more available capacity, sanitation, security measures, will provide vendors with the opportunity to create a more sustainable commercial centre.

The project also falls within the context of the Mombasa County administration’s efforts to modernise public markets throughout the County and to improve service delivery standards.

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