Traders at the historic 106-year-old Majengo Market in Mvita Constituency have unanimously welcomed the proposed redesigning and redevelopment of the facility to achieve modern market.
The tender for the project was published last year under the proposed construction of a Modern Market Mixed Urban Development and associated infrastructure. The contract has since been awarded, with a 12-month implementation period.
The State Department of Housing today held a public participation forum at Tononoka Hall, which was filled with traders.
During the meeting, traders unanimously opposed the inclusion of a housing component, instead preferring a purely market-based development.
Coast Regional Director of Affordable Housing and Markets John Karanja said the department would return to the drawing board to incorporate the views raised by traders.
He explained that the initial design of the 13-floor mixed-use development included commercial spaces, a modern market, affordable housing units, and waste management facilities.
“It is a bid by the government to dignify trading areas and promote markets. This is one of several projects we plan to implement in Mombasa County. Other projects of similar scope include Sega Market and the Old Town Fish Market,” said Karanja.
“We have conducted public participation, and the traders have indicated that they would prefer an increase in the market levels from three floors, while the affordable housing component could be relocated to a different site. Those are the key issues raised, and we are equal to the task,” he added.
Mombasa County Executive Committee Member for Tourism, Trade, and Culture Mohamed Osman said the national government project would significantly boost trade at the market, which was built in 1920.
“This is a government that listens to its citizens. The wananchi have clearly stated that they want a market, not houses. Their views will be considered, and another meeting will be convened to redesign the project,” said Osman.
Majengo Market Chairman Chrisantos Mwandangu emphasised that traders proposed that the facility should remain a market, with the redevelopment accommodating more traders, including youth who have benefited from the Sh50,000 NYOTA Fund to start businesses.
Mvita Constituency Markets Chairman Mohamed Ali said the project would boost commerce in the area by attracting more customers. “We believe we will reach an agreement with the government, and the project will be implemented seamlessly to benefit traders and the county government,” he said.
By Sadik Hassan
