The County Government of Mombasa has issued a 45-day eviction notice to traders at the historic Makupa/Majengo Market, signaling a major shift in the city’s commercial landscape. This bold move, announced by the Department of Trade, Culture and Tourism, aims to pave the way for a modern market upgrade under the county’s transformative development agenda. With hundreds of traders—many with decades-long ties to the market—now facing temporary relocation, the decision is set to impact livelihoods and the local economy. As the county, led by Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir (age 47, estimated net worth KSh 450 million), champions this ambitious project, all eyes are on the promised improvements and the future of Makupa’s vibrant trading community.
Who is Mombasa county gives Makupa traders 45 days to vacate for market upgrade?
| Event | Mombasa county orders Makupa/Majengo Market traders to vacate for market upgrade |
| Date | March 2, 2026 |
| Notice Period | 45 days from announcement |
| Location | Makupa/Majengo Market, Mombasa, Kenya |
| Key Organization | County Government of Mombasa |
| Key Official | Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir |
| Supervising Authority | County Director of Trade |
| Reason | Construction of a new modern market |
| Temporary Relocation Site | Open-air market near existing market along Majengo Road |
| Project Duration | Less than 12 months (expected) |
| Priority for New Stalls | Current traders operating inside and outside existing market |
| Official Response | Public notice issued by Department of Trade, Culture and Tourism |
| Impact | Traders required to vacate and relocate; improved facilities and business environment promised |
The County Government of Mombasa serves as the administrative authority for the coastal city of Mombasa, overseeing local governance, development, and service delivery. With a mandate to manage public resources and infrastructure, the county government plays a crucial role in regulating markets, supporting small businesses, and driving economic growth within the region. Its responsibilities include ensuring that public spaces such as markets meet safety, health, and operational standards for the benefit of both traders and residents.
Among the most significant trading hubs under its jurisdiction is the Makupa/Majengo Market, a bustling center of commerce that has long been integral to Mombasa’s local economy. The market is known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse range of goods, attracting both traders and shoppers from across the city. Recognizing the market’s importance, the county government recently issued an eviction notice to all Makupa traders, giving them 45 days to vacate their current stalls. This move is intended to pave the way for a comprehensive market upgrade, aimed at modernizing the facility and enhancing the overall trading environment. The notice underscores the county’s commitment to improving infrastructure and supporting economic transformation in line with broader development goals.
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 commercial and cultural fabric. Established decades ago, the market has grown into a bustling center where hundreds of traders from diverse backgrounds converge daily. It serves as a critical economic lifeline for many local families, offering employment and entrepreneurial opportunities to both long-time residents and newcomers to Mombasa. The market’s strategic location near the heart of the city makes it easily accessible, drawing in a steady flow of customers from surrounding neighborhoods and beyond.
The variety of goods sold at Makupa/Majengo Market reflects the rich diversity of Mombasa’s population. Stalls brim with fresh produce such as fruits, vegetables, and spices, while other sections offer fish, meat, grains, and household essentials. Clothing, footwear, electronics, and artisanal crafts are also common, catering to a wide range of shopper needs. The traders themselves represent a cross-section of Mombasa’s demographic landscape, including women, youth, and small-scale business owners who rely on daily sales for their livelihoods. Over the years, the market has not only fueled local commerce but also fostered a sense of community, making it an indispensable part of Mombasa’s informal economy and a symbol of resilience and enterprise in the county.
Details of the 45-Day Eviction Notice
On March 2, 2026, the County Government of Mombasa issued a formal public notice instructing all traders at Makupa/Majengo Market to vacate their stalls within 45 days. The notice, released by the Department of Trade, Culture and Tourism, sets a firm deadline for traders to clear their goods and vacate the premises to facilitate the upcoming market upgrade. According to the official communication, the eviction deadline is intended to ensure a smooth transition and allow for the commencement of construction work on a new, modern market facility.
The county government cited the need to create a safer, more organized, and accommodating trading environment as the primary reason for the eviction. In the statement, Peter Migosi, Acting Director of Trade, emphasized that the move is part of a broader initiative to enhance market infrastructure and improve conditions for both traders and customers. The notice underscored the importance of compliance, warning that failure to vacate within the stipulated period could result in enforcement measures as per county laws. County officials thanked traders for their anticipated cooperation, reiterating that the upgrade is aimed at long-term benefits for the local business community.
Reactions from Makupa Traders and the Public
The announcement of the 45-day eviction notice at Makupa Market has sparked a wave of concern and anxiety among the affected traders. Many traders expressed fears about the immediate impact on their livelihoods, highlighting the uncertainty of relocating to a temporary open-air market and the potential loss of loyal customers. Several stall owners voiced frustration over the short notice period, arguing that it does not provide enough time to safely dismantle their businesses and secure alternative storage for their goods. Some traders, especially those dealing in perishable items, worry about the risk of stock losses and disruption to their daily income.
Trader associations have stepped forward to represent the interests of their members, calling for more dialogue with the county authorities and requesting additional support during the transition. They have emphasized the importance of clear communication regarding the allocation of temporary spaces and the security of traders’ property. Public reaction has been mixed, with some residents supporting the planned market upgrade but urging the county government to prioritize the welfare of small-scale traders. In recent days, small gatherings and peaceful demonstrations have been reported near Makupa Market, as traders and supporters appeal for an extension of the eviction deadline and assurances about their future in the new market. The situation remains tense, with many in the community closely following developments and voicing solidarity with the traders facing displacement.
Planned Market Upgrade: Goals and Expected Changes
The planned upgrade of Makupa/Majengo Market by the Mombasa county government is a cornerstone in the region’s broader strategy to modernize local trading hubs and support economic growth. Key goals of the redevelopment include providing a safer, more organized, and hygienic environment for both traders and shoppers. The county aims to transform the market into a modern facility equipped with enhanced storage spaces, improved sanitation, and better waste management systems. These improvements are designed to address longstanding challenges such as overcrowding, inadequate infrastructure, and security concerns that have affected the market’s efficiency and appeal.
The new market is expected to accommodate more vendors, streamline business operations, and create a more conducive atmosphere for commerce. By introducing upgraded stalls, secure trading areas, and reliable utilities, the county government seeks to boost productivity and attract a wider customer base. The project also includes the installation of advanced safety measures and improved lighting, which will enhance security for traders and their merchandise. Ultimately, the county envisions the upgraded Makupa/Majengo Market as a model for sustainable urban trading, supporting small-scale enterprises and contributing to Mombasa’s ongoing economic transformation. These enhancements are part of the county’s commitment to uplifting the informal sector and ensuring that local markets remain vibrant centers of community life and commerce.
Economic and Social Impact on Mombasa
The decision by the Mombasa county government to upgrade Makupa market is poised to create significant economic and social ripples across the community. In the short term, the relocation of hundreds of Makupa traders is expected to temporarily disrupt daily business operations, potentially leading to a dip in local commerce and affecting the livelihoods of families who depend on the market for income. Many small-scale traders, porters, and service providers who rely on the steady flow of customers to Makupa market may experience financial strain during the transition period. The broader community could also feel the impact, as Makupa market serves as a vital source of affordable goods and employment for residents in the surrounding neighborhoods.
However, the long-term outlook presents opportunities for economic revitalization and social improvement. The planned market upgrade is anticipated to foster a more organized and secure trading environment, which could attract new customers and investors to the area. Enhanced infrastructure and modern facilities are likely to improve working conditions for traders, boost productivity, and stimulate growth in related sectors such as transportation and supply chains. Socially, the project aligns with efforts to uplift small-scale enterprises, strengthen community ties, and reinforce Mombasa’s role as a regional commercial hub. If managed effectively, the market redevelopment could serve as a catalyst for job creation, increased economic activity, and improved quality of life for both traders and the wider Mombasa community.
What’s Next for Makupa Traders and Mombasa County?
In response to the 45-day eviction notice, Mombasa county has arranged for Makupa traders to temporarily relocate to an open-air market situated near the existing Makupa/Majengo Market along Majengo Road. This alternative site is intended to ensure that business operations can continue with minimal disruption during the construction period. The relocation process will be closely supervised by the County Director of Trade, who will oversee the safe packing and removal of traders’ wares and provide guidance throughout the transition.
Looking ahead, the county government has outlined a clear timeline and plan for the market upgrade. The construction of the new, modern Makupa Market is expected to take less than 12 months, after which priority in stall allocation will be given to current traders, both those inside and outside the original market. The upgraded facility will feature improved storage, enhanced security, and expanded capacity, reflecting Mombasa county’s broader commitment to modernizing local market infrastructure and supporting small-scale enterprises. The administration has emphasized its intention to work collaboratively with traders throughout the process to ensure a smooth transition and successful reopening of the new market.
Source: [The Star, Kenya](https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2026-03-02-makupa-traders-given-45-days-to-vacate-for-market-upgrade)
