Gikomba shoe market demolished overnight after eviction notice lapses

A section of Gikomba Market’s shoe trading zone has been demolished overnight by county authorities after traders failed to vacate following an earlier eviction notice.

The operation, conducted under heavy security, is part of the Nairobi City County Government’s ongoing effort to reclaim riparian land and restore natural drainage systems. Traders arrived at the site to find their stalls flattened and merchandise scattered, bringing business in one of Nairobi’s busiest informal markets to a sudden halt.

County officials stated that the demolished structures had been identified as encroaching on designated river reserve land. They maintained that due process had been followed, with traders issued prior notice to vacate before enforcement action was taken.

The demolition aligns with a broader directive issued on May 3, 2024 by the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, which ordered the removal of all buildings constructed on riparian land across Nairobi and other urban areas. The directive formed part of emergency measures aimed at addressing the impact of heavy rains and recurrent flooding.

Recent flooding has heightened the urgency of such crackdowns. The country experienced devastating floods that claimed more than 100 lives nationwide, with Nairobi recording 37 fatalities. Swollen rivers burst their banks, submerging homes, displacing families, and destroying property, particularly in informal settlements and markets located along waterways.

Traders at Gikomba expressed frustration, describing the demolition as a severe economic setback. Many said they had invested heavily in their businesses and were caught off guard by the timing, despite acknowledging receipt of eviction notices. Others admitted they were aware of the directive but had hoped for more time or alternative relocation arrangements.

Government agencies insist that enforcing riparian regulations is essential to prevent future disasters. Officials argue that clearing illegal structures will restore natural water flow and reduce the vulnerability of urban populations to extreme weather events.

Urban planners and environmental experts have long warned against encroachment on riparian reserves, noting that such practices obstruct drainage systems and worsen flooding during heavy rains.

However, the demolitions have once again sparked debate over urban planning and the livelihoods of informal traders, many of whom depend on markets like Gikomba for survival, raising concerns about the balance between environmental safety and economic sustenance.