Residents of Clay City Ward in Kasarani Constituency have been assured that the allocation of stalls at the newly completed Maji Mazuri Market will be carried out through a transparent and accountable process, following speculation over the ownership of the facility ahead of its official opening.
During an inspection of the market, Clay City MCA Mwaura Samora dismissed claims circulating on social media that the market had been sold to a private investor, insisting that the project remains a public facility built to support local traders.
The MCA said the rumours were fuelled by misunderstandings over the building’s grey exterior, explaining that the colour is a standard feature of markets constructed under the national government’s market development programme.
“Some people are spreading propaganda that this market has been sold because of its colour. The truth is that all markets being constructed by the national government have the same grey design. This is a public market, and President William Ruto will officially commission it,” Samora said.
According to the MCA, construction is now 95 per cent complete, with President William Ruto expected to officially open the market in the coming weeks.
Why has the market attracted so much attention?
The market is the first modern trading facility to be built in Clay City Ward and is expected to change how business is conducted in the area. Its impending opening has sparked interest from hundreds of traders hoping to secure business spaces, while rumours about ownership have created uncertainty among residents.
Local leaders say the market is intended to serve small-scale traders rather than private investors.
How will business spaces be allocated?
Although the county government is yet to release the final allocation criteria, local leaders have pledged that the process will be open, fair and transparent.
The assurance comes as demand for stalls continues to rise, with many traders keen to move from roadside and informal trading sites into the new facility.
What will the market offer?
Maji Mazuri Market has been designed to accommodate about 1,500 traders, making it one of the largest trading facilities in the area.
The modern market is expected to provide:
- A cleaner and more organised trading environment.
- Improved hygiene and sanitation.
- Better security for traders and customers.
- Reduced congestion in informal trading areas.
- Increased customer traffic for small businesses.
County leaders believe the facility will boost local commerce and create a more conducive environment for entrepreneurship.
Economic impact on Clay City
Beyond providing trading spaces, the project has already created employment during construction, with more than 400 young people from the ward engaged in various jobs.
Once operational, the market is expected to support hundreds of small businesses, increase household incomes and strengthen the local economy through expanded commercial activity.
