President Ruto promises Gikomba traders title deed within 90 days

President Ruto assures Gikomba traders of title deed within 90 days

President William Ruto has assured traders at Nairobi’s Gikomba Market that the government is taking concrete steps to formally secure the market as public land, addressing long-standing concerns over ownership disputes and the threat of illegal land speculation.

Speaking during a meeting at State House with traders, chairpersons, and committee members from Nairobi County markets, President Ruto emphasised the importance of proper documentation to safeguard the market from individuals seeking to illegally claim portions of it.

“I can assure you that Gikomba is public land, but we do not want to say it is public land without documentation. Lazima tuwe na documentation ya kudhibitisha ya kwamba Gikomba ni mali ya umma,” Ruto said.

"I can assure you that Gikomba is public property and we will process it's title deed in 90 days to put a stop to speculation by land grabbers...."

H.E President @WilliamsRuto. pic.twitter.com/1QmqkvaWmZ

— Gerald Bitok (@geraldbitok) January 21, 2026

He revealed that he had directed the Principal Secretary for Lands, Nixon Korir, working alongside the Ministry of Lands and the National Land Commission, to ensure that a title deed for Gikomba Market is issued within 90 days.

“Nimemwambia Nixon hapa, PS wetu wa lands, wewe na waziri wako pamoja na National Land Commission, within 90 days tuwe na title deed ya watu wa Gikomba,” the President added.

The discussions also covered several other markets, including those along Kangundo Road, Wakulima, Muthurwa, Burma, Kangemi, City Park, Othaya Market (Woodley Jamuhuri), Kawangware, and Gikomba.

Ruto said the government remains committed to improving conditions for traders, particularly small-scale vendors such as mama mboga.

He highlighted ongoing government initiatives aimed at supporting traders, including the construction of 450 modern markets across the country and the rollout of the Hustler Fund, which is designed to provide affordable credit and reduce reliance on exploitative lenders.

Other challenges raised during the meeting included waste and garbage management, as well as power and water supply issues.

The President said these concerns are being addressed in collaboration with county governments.

Ruto’s assurances form part of a broader government effort to modernise markets, strengthen trader livelihoods, and protect public spaces such as Gikomba for the benefit of ordinary Kenyans.

Gikomba Market, one of Nairobi’s largest and busiest trading hubs, has for years grappled with unclear ownership, poor infrastructure, fire safety concerns, and the persistent risk of illegal land grabs. Traders have frequently voiced concerns over exploitation by speculators and uncertainty about their operating spaces.

Meanwhile, Kamukunji Member of Parliament Yusuf Hassan has welcomed the commitments made by President Ruto, saying they address issues that have affected the market for decades and underscore Gikomba’s importance to the economy.

“My sincere thanks to President William Ruto for meeting with the Gikomba traders and addressing their concerns promptly,” MP Yusuf said.

The MP led a delegation of more than 250 traders from Gikomba Market in Pumwani to State House on Tuesday, where they presented a wide range of concerns affecting different sections of the market.