President Ruto defends Gikomba market demolitions in Nairobi

President William Ruto has defended the controversial Gikomba open air market in Nairobi cautioning leaders against politicising the ongoing modernisation affirming the government’s commitment to transforming it into a safe and dignified trading space.

Speaking at State House Nairobi today during a meeting with members of the Maendeleo ya Wanawake Organisation, the president said the redevelopment project is already underway and will benefit nearly 5,000 traders in its first phase.

He noted that the initiative is part of a broader national programme to construct 450 modern markets across the country.

Ruto explained that the decision to upgrade Gikomba Market followed consultations with traders’ leadership, who raised concerns about congestion and frequent fire outbreaks that have caused repeated losses over the years.

“Leaders should keep politics out of Gikomba Market. We want to build a modern market because traders have, for a long time, suffered losses due to fires and rains,” he said.

The President said the new facility will improve safety, infrastructure and overall working conditions, creating a conducive environment for both traders and customers.

At the same time, he lauded the critical role of women in driving Kenya’s economic growth and social transformation, urging them to remain united and actively participate in leadership and development initiatives.

Ruto highlighted improvements in national savings, revealing that contributions to the National Social Security Fund have risen significantly from Sh312 billion in 2023 to Sh670 billion within two and a half years.

“In three years alone, we have doubled what the country had saved through the National Social Security Fund in 60 years. As a country, we must take charge of our own destiny,” he said, noting that increased savings would reduce reliance on external borrowing.

On agriculture, the president pointed to ongoing reforms, including subsidised fertiliser, elimination of cartels in key sectors, and the registration of 7.2 million farmers on a digital platform.

He said the interventions have boosted production and improved farmers’ earnings, citing higher coffee prices and more regular payments for sugar farmers.

He also outlined job creation efforts under government programmes such as affordable housing, digital employment, the NYOTA initiative and overseas job placements.

According to the President, the housing programme alone has engaged about 640,000 workers across various professions and value chains.

Ruto further stated that the government has stabilised the economy and placed it on a steady growth path, citing reduced fertiliser costs from Sh7,000 to Sh2,500 as part of efforts to support farmers.

He urged women to take a leading role in promoting national unity and rejecting divisive politics based on tribalism and hatred.

“Women are well-placed to unite this country and discourage the politics of tribalism, hatred and seclusion,” he said.

The President also challenged his critics to offer alternative policy ideas instead of engaging in what he termed as propaganda and ethnic incitement.

In support of women’s economic empowerment, Ruto announced a Ksh250 million boost to the Maendeleo ya Wanawake Sacco to enhance access to credit for its members.

He assured the organisation that the government is working with Parliament to address the two-thirds gender rule on representation, which requires constitutional changes.

Additionally, the President called on women to support the fight against alcohol and drug abuse, noting progress made through the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse.

First Lady Rachael Ruto attributed the country’s improving food security to both government interventions and national prayers, urging continued prayers for peace and stability.

Lands and Housing Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome called for action on the two-thirds gender rule, while highlighting the impact of the Affordable Housing Programme in improving living standards through decent homes, student hostels and modern markets.

Other leaders who addressed the meeting included Cabinet Secretaries Hanna Cheptumo, Soipan Tuya, and Rebecca Miano, alongside Maendeleo ya Wanawake Chairperson Rahab Mwikali and former MP Beth Mugo.