Tension is high at Jubilee Market in Githurai, Kiambu County, as traders protest a 30-day eviction notice they say was issued without warning or an alternative relocation plan.
The traders have accused Governor Kimani Wamatangi of neglecting their concerns and reneging on promises made during previous political campaigns.
They are now demanding an audience with their elected leaders, including the governor, to chart a way forward.
According to a vacate notice seen by The Standard, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has directed market occupants to demolish their structures and vacate the premises within 30 days. Failure to comply, the letter warns, could lead to a fine of up to Sh100,000 or imprisonment for one year.
The eviction notice, dated April 3, and delivered by area chief cites illegal occupation of road reserve land and unauthorised encroachment. But traders have raised questions about the document’s authenticity, as it bears no official stamp or signature.
Following the protests, traders claim that live bullets and teargas were fired in an attempt to disperse them. Lucy Njeri, a long-time vendor who has traded at Jubilee Market, said President William Ruto—while serving in the previous administration—had promised they would not be evicted until an alternative market had been built. “The President came with our governor and said they have released funds for the construction of phase two of Githurai Jubilee market. But the market has not been constructed,” Njeri said.
Jubilee Market is part of the Githurai 45 Market, which comprises of six other major sections including Migingo/Muiguithania, Post Bank, Kwa Nyanya, New Jubilee, Gateway and Pamoja Market.
On August 4, 2023, President Ruto officially opened the Sh400 million market, with a capacity of 1,200 stalls, over a year after its completion under President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration.
The opening followed uproar from traders who accused officials of political interference and attempts to manipulate the list of beneficiaries for Phase One of the project.
