The Nairobi County government have demolished a section of Gikomba Market in a move to clear riparian land along the Nairobi River in efforts.
The exercise which took place on Monday Night was to mitigate flood risks and rehabilitate the water body.
According to reports, the operation began around 9pm and continued into the early hours of Tuesday, targeting shoe stalls and other small businesses.
Reports indicate that approximately 6,000 traders have been affected by the demolition.
Traders arrived at the site early in the morning, attempting to salvage stock from the demolition.
In the previous reports, traders had received a 30-day notice to vacate the area, and demolition began a day after it lapsed.
However, the traders oposed the county’s plan, saying the nearby temporary market is too small for all displaced traders and protesting the lack of adequate alternative space and attention to the immediate economic impact.
According to the county authorities said the clearance is part of a plan to remove structures 50 metres from the riverbank, including 30 metres to restore the riparian zone and reduce flooding risks, and an additional 20 metres to make space for a new market.
