Traders in Toi Market decry unfulfilled promises by leaders

Traders operating at Nairobi's Toi Market in Kibera, are voicing growing frustrations over what they describe as a series of unfulfilled promises made by both county and national government leaders.

They say politicians have repeatedly visited the market, made grand pledges — especially during election seasons — but failed to deliver on any of them years later.

The traders, many of whom have operated in the market for decades, say they were promised a fully modernized market, construction of a perimeter wall for security, proper sanitation facilities, and even a fire station to handle the frequent fire incidents that have plagued the area.

However, they claim not even one of these projects has been implemented.

According to Okoth Ongayo, one of the vocal representatives of the business community in Toi, the promises made have remained nothing more than empty rhetoric.

He says the traders feel used and abandoned once politicians secure their votes.

“We were told the market would be rebuilt and modernized. They promised a wall around the market to prevent theft and land grabbing. They even promised to construct a fire station nearby. But up to now, nothing has happened. The leaders come, talk big, then disappear,” Ongayo said.

He added that the market, which supports hundreds of families, is still operating in deplorable conditions, with poor drainage, makeshift structures, and no proper waste management.

The traders now say they are running out of patience and want both the Nairobi County Government and the national government to stop giving false hope and instead take immediate action.

Some traders also raised concerns about the increasing insecurity around the market due to the lack of a perimeter wall.

Cases of theft and nighttime break-ins have reportedly become more common, forcing some traders to close shop early.

“This market has suffered from fires, floods, and now theft. We feel unprotected, and we don’t understand why it’s taking so long for the government to act. They only remember us when they want votes,” lamented another trader.

In response to the growing outcry, Nairobi County Chief Officer for Markets, Jane Wangui, confirmed that plans are underway to improve the market.

She said that both the county and national governments are working closely to ensure that the traders' grievances are addressed and the development projects promised are implemented.

“We are aware of the issues raised by the traders at Toi Market. I want to assure them that the modernization plans have not been abandoned. Discussions and planning are ongoing, and in the coming days, we expect to roll out improvements that will transform the market into a safer, more organized trading space,” said Wangui.

Wangui urged the traders to remain patient and cooperative, adding that implementation of infrastructure projects often takes time due to processes involving planning, approvals, and budgeting.

As Toi Market traders continue to wait, many are skeptical, saying they have heard similar promises before.

However, they are hopeful that the renewed assurances from the government will this time translate into real, visible change.

The traders have also called for increased transparency and community involvement in the implementation of any future projects to ensure that their needs are genuinely addressed.