Traders in Kiambu have begun verification of members ahead of their highly anticipated market elections on April 15, 2026.
The traders, drawn from Kangangi Market within Kiambu Town, lined up at Community Hall where they verified their names against the register which was generated during their previous elections in February 2023.
This exercise was organized by the municipality administration led by Mr Job Amisi who also doubles up as the Chairman of a transition committee selected by the Department of Trade.
“We have generated the list of members as it was created by the current officials. Everyone will get a chance to check their name, and then get it stamped, so you can be allowed to vote during the elections. If you don’t find your name there, there is a team in place to handle your concerns. There is no need to create chaos,” Mr Amisi said, while addressing the traders.
Current market officials have been accused of extorting traders for new slots after displacement, as well as attempts to rig the upcoming elections. This comes amid construction of a modern market.
One of the traders, Simon Thuo, revealed that the sitting officials have been opposing fresh elections, leading to tensions.
“We hold elections every three years. Their term expired in February 2026, which called for fresh elections. These officials are leading a dictatorship kind of style, and so the only way to kick them out is through elections,” Thuo narrated.
Tensions climaxed into demonstrations by the traders last week, prompting the intervention of the municipality administration. A timeline to hold the elections was given out, along with a framework to support secret ballot, transitioning from the ‘Mlolongo’ style applied in previous market elections.
Mr Amisi, the municipality administrator, declared that each trader would receive a new membership card after the verification process. This follows allegations against current officials of secretly handing out membership cards to people not enlisted as traders.
“When you see your name on that list, the most important detail to remember is the number against your name. If your number is 1, that will be your identification number in the registration card. We have not interfered with any details in the list, and if your name is not on that list, kindly inform us,” he added.
Construction of Kangangi Market in Kiambu Town is a project being implemented by the national government under the affordable housing program. It is projected to host over 2,000 traders.
by Rose Muthoni
