• Drainage systems have also been placed to allow free flow of water and prevent flooding during the rainy seasons.
• Before, security in the market was inadequate. Traders complained of of insufficient guards, and the market not being fenced was a key issue issue of insecurity.
Following months of closure, 689 traders have started to occupy the upgraded, safe and clean Nairobi City Park Market.
The spacious market in Parklands was set for an upgrade as the rehabilitation of green spaces gained momentum early this year. City Park was targeted for a facelift.
On Monday, the Housing, Urban Development and Public Works PS Charles Hinga said the aim was to give traders a safe and clean market.
"We want to make these markets major business hubs and give opportunities to small retail traders access in a clean and well maintained environment," Hinga said on the phone.
Back in May, the Housing Department announced the 689 traders who had been doing business in the market would be allocated new spaces directly.
It listed the names of the traders, their ID numbers and the type of businesses.
Businesses includes groceries, M-Pesa shops, boutiques, cyber cafes, fruit stalls, barbershops, among others.
The stalls were given free of charge to those who occupied the place earlier but now they will be paying Sh200 a month for maintenance.
Other sources of money to maintain the market will be from public toilets and the secured parking lot.
Traders said they had been waiting for an upgrade for years.
They said security and a clean environment were important.
“We’ve been at this market for seven years since the last fire and I’m glad this move will benefit both traders and customers. As far as I know, 90 per cent of traders secured a stall," trader Christopher Kimani said.
Before, security in the market was compromised as traders complained of insufficient guards and the market not being fenced, which was the key issue of insecurity.
“Sometimes one could wake up in the morning to find your goods stolen. With this move I am now fully assured that my goods will be safe and sound,” said Julius Kirei.
The market has iron sheets roofs to give the traders shelter and protect produce and products from them from harsh weather.
“Our vegetables won’t be scorched in the sun as before, the shade in the market will prevent them from going stale,” Marion Chelegat said
Inside the market each trader has been allocated space.
There are also stalls where traders to keep their commodities once they close the market at night.
The traders need not to worry about mud as the market has concrete floors, preventing muddy floors during the rainy season.
“Before it was really challenging for customers to access the market on rainy days due to the muddy situation. Now buyers have less to worry about because of the concrete floors," trader Hanna Nduta said.
With adequate space, the traders are not worried of the Covid-19 pandemic due to less congestion.
“Now there is ample space for shopping and customers don’t have to worry about contracting Covid-19," trader Peter Munga said.
Drainage systems have been installed to allow free flow of water and prevent flooding during the rainy seasons.
The market has also been divided into sections: fruits, vegetables, chicken and other poultry products and other goods and services.
(Edited by V. Graham)