The Mombasa County Market Upgrade has taken center stage as the county government issues a 45-day eviction notice to Makupa traders, signaling a transformative moment for the region’s bustling trade sector. With the directive affecting hundreds of vendors at the Makupa/Majengo Market, the move aims to pave the way for a modern facility under the ambitious Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. The market, a cornerstone of Mombasa’s informal economy, is set to undergo a significant facelift, promising improved infrastructure and expanded capacity. As the county, led by Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir, pushes forward, the impact on livelihoods, business continuity, and the local economy is under intense public scrutiny.
Who is Mombasa county gives Makupa traders 45 days to vacate for market upgrade?
| Event | Makupa/Majengo Market traders given 45 days to vacate for market upgrade |
| Date | March 2, 2026 |
| Location | Makupa/Majengo Market, Mombasa, Kenya |
| Key Organization | County Government of Mombasa |
| Key Person | Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir |
| Official Notice Issued By | Department of Trade, Culture and Tourism, Mombasa County |
| Status | Traders instructed to vacate within 45 days and relocate to a temporary open-air market |
| Official Response | Public notice issued directing traders to remove belongings and relocate |
| Project Purpose | Construction of a new modern market to accommodate more vendors and improve conditions |
| Project Timeline | Construction expected to take less than 12 months |
| Relocation Details | Temporary open-air market provided near existing market along Majengo Road |
| Allocation Priority | Current traders to be given priority for new stalls upon completion |
| Supervising Authority | County Director of Trade |
| Broader Initiative | Part of Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) |
Mombasa County has issued a directive requiring all traders at the Makupa/Majengo Market to vacate the premises within 45 days. This move is part of a planned market upgrade aimed at transforming the trading environment in one of Mombasa’s busiest commercial hubs. The county government, through its Department of Trade, Culture and Tourism, delivered an official eviction notice instructing traders to safely pack and remove their belongings from their current stalls. The notice emphasizes the need for a smooth transition, with traders expected to relocate to a temporary open-air market set up nearby along Majengo Road.
Makupa/Majengo Market is a vital center for commerce in Mombasa, serving as a key trading point for hundreds of small-scale vendors and local shoppers. The market’s strategic location and role in the local economy make it a focal point for both business activity and community interaction. The county’s decision to enforce a 45-day deadline underscores the urgency and scale of the planned redevelopment. Officials have made it clear that compliance with the notice is mandatory, and the process will be overseen by the County Director of Trade to ensure orderliness and minimize disruptions. This significant event marks the beginning of a major transition for the Makupa/Majengo Market and its trading community.
Background of Makupa/Majengo Market
Makupa/Majengo Market stands as one of the oldest and most vibrant trading hubs in Mombasa County, deeply woven into the city’s economic and social fabric. Established decades ago in the heart of Mombasa, the market has long served as a bustling center for commerce, attracting both local residents and visitors from across the region. Its strategic location along Majengo Road makes it easily accessible, fostering a lively atmosphere where business thrives from dawn to dusk.
The market is renowned for its diverse range of goods, including fresh produce, cereals, spices, textiles, household items, and small electronics. Vendors—many of whom are small-scale traders and family-run businesses—cater to a broad clientele, from daily wage earners to bulk buyers supplying hotels and restaurants. The demographic makeup of the traders reflects the cosmopolitan character of Mombasa, with individuals from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds working side by side. Makupa/Majengo Market not only provides a vital source of income for hundreds of families but also plays a crucial role in ensuring food security and supporting the informal economy in the region. The market’s bustling activity and communal spirit have made it a cornerstone of daily life in Mombasa, fostering social ties and economic resilience within the community.
Details of the Eviction Notice and Timeline
On March 2, 2026, the County Government of Mombasa formally issued a public notice instructing all traders operating within the Makupa/Majengo Market to vacate the premises within 45 days. The notice, disseminated by the Department of Trade, Culture and Tourism, clearly outlined that every trader must safely pack and remove their belongings from their current stalls and clear out their wares within the specified period. This directive was issued to facilitate upcoming works at the market and was signed by Peter Migosi, the Acting Director of Trade.
The notice emphasized that the 45-day deadline is mandatory, warning that any failure to comply would result in enforcement actions as per county laws. Traders were expressly instructed to relocate to a designated temporary open-air market situated near the existing Makupa/Majengo Market along Majengo Road. The process of relocation and removal of goods is to be supervised by the County Director of Trade, ensuring an orderly transition. The county administration thanked the traders in advance for their anticipated cooperation and underscored the legal and administrative seriousness of the eviction notice, urging all affected parties to adhere strictly to the timeline to avoid legal consequences.
Reasons Behind the Market Upgrade
The County Government of Mombasa has emphasized that the primary motivation behind the planned Makupa/Majengo Market upgrade is to modernize the trading environment and address longstanding issues with the current market infrastructure. According to official statements from the Department of Trade, Culture and Tourism, the existing facilities have been deemed inadequate in terms of safety, hygiene, and capacity. The county administration highlighted that the current market setup poses challenges related to overcrowding, poor sanitation, and limited storage space, which compromise both the welfare of traders and the quality of service to customers.
The upgrade is part of Mombasa’s broader commitment to urban renewal and economic transformation under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). County officials have stated that the new market will feature enhanced safety measures, improved storage facilities, and modern amenities designed to support small-scale enterprises. The objective is to create a more conducive business environment, promote public health, and ensure that the market can accommodate a growing number of vendors. By investing in this project, the county aims to stimulate local commerce, provide better opportunities for traders, and contribute to the overall urban development of Mombasa.
Reactions from Traders and the Community
The announcement of the 45-day eviction notice has sparked a wave of reactions among Makupa traders and the wider Mombasa community. Many traders have voiced deep concern over the short timeframe, citing the challenge of relocating their businesses and the uncertainty surrounding their livelihoods during the market upgrade. Some traders, especially those who have operated at Makupa/Majengo Market for decades, expressed fears about losing loyal customers and the potential financial losses they may incur during the transition. Representatives from trader associations have called for more dialogue with county officials, urging for clear communication about the relocation process and assurances that all affected traders will be accommodated in the temporary open-air market.
Community members and local leaders have also weighed in, with some supporting the modernization plans but emphasizing the need to protect small-scale traders who form the backbone of Mombasa’s informal economy. A number of traders have organized meetings to discuss collective action, with reports of peaceful protests and petitions being submitted to the county government. There have been calls for the county to provide additional support, such as transport and storage solutions, to ease the burden of relocation. While a segment of the community welcomes the promise of improved facilities, the prevailing sentiment among traders remains one of anxiety and cautious optimism as they await further engagement with county authorities.
Next Steps and Future Plans for Makupa/Majengo Market
As part of its ambitious urban renewal agenda, Mombasa county has unveiled comprehensive plans to upgrade Makupa/Majengo Market into a state-of-the-art trading hub. The county government has set a timeline of less than 12 months for the construction of the new facility, aiming to minimize disruption and ensure a swift return to business for local traders. During this period, all affected vendors will be temporarily relocated to an open-air market situated near the current site along Majengo Road, with the county’s Department of Trade overseeing the transition to guarantee order and safety.
The upgraded Makupa/Majengo Market is expected to feature modern stalls, enhanced storage facilities, improved sanitation, and robust security measures. These improvements are designed to create a more conducive environment for small-scale traders and to boost overall business efficiency. Upon completion, priority for the allocation of new stalls will be given to those currently operating in and around the market, ensuring continuity for established businesses. While the temporary relocation presents logistical challenges, county officials emphasize that the new market will offer expanded capacity and better amenities, supporting the long-term growth of Mombasa’s vibrant trading community. The project forms a key pillar of the county’s broader strategy to modernize local infrastructure and elevate service delivery for residents and entrepreneurs alike.
Broader Impact on Mombasa’s Economy and Urban Development
The decision by Mombasa county to relocate Makupa traders for a market upgrade reflects the county’s broader commitment to urban renewal and economic modernization. By prioritizing the redevelopment of key trading hubs, Mombasa aims to enhance the city’s commercial infrastructure, attract new investment, and stimulate local enterprise. This approach aligns with the county’s vision to transform traditional markets into modern economic centers, creating a ripple effect that can boost employment opportunities and improve the livelihoods of thousands of residents. The relocation and subsequent upgrade are expected to foster a more organized and efficient trading environment, which is crucial for supporting small-scale businesses that form the backbone of Mombasa’s informal economy.
Similar market modernization projects in the coastal region, such as the recent revamps of Kongowea and Marikiti markets, have demonstrated positive outcomes—including increased vendor capacity, improved sanitation, and heightened consumer confidence. These initiatives contribute to the county’s urban planning strategies by reducing congestion, enhancing public safety, and integrating market spaces into the city’s wider development plans. As Mombasa continues to grow as a regional economic hub, such projects are essential for ensuring that infrastructure keeps pace with the demands of a rapidly expanding population and evolving commercial landscape. The Makupa/Majengo Market upgrade is thus a strategic move, positioning Mombasa to better compete with other urban centers while supporting inclusive economic growth.
Source: [The Star, Kenya](https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2026-03-02-makupa-traders-given-45-days-to-vacate-for-market-upgrade)
