Mombasa County Makupa Market Eviction: Biography, Timeline, and Impact on Traders

In a move set to reshape the heart of Mombasa County’s bustling trade sector, the county government has issued a 45-day eviction notice to Makupa Market traders, sparking widespread attention and debate. This decision, part of an ambitious market upgrade project under Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir’s leadership, directly affects hundreds of small-scale traders—many of whom have built their livelihoods here for decades. With an estimated net worth of KSh 2 billion circulating through the market annually and a vibrant community of traders averaging 35 to 60 years old, Makupa Market stands as a cornerstone of local commerce. As the county pursues modernization, the impact on traders and the broader economic landscape remains a critical focus.

Who is Mombasa county gives Makupa traders 45 days to vacate for market upgrade?

Mombasa County is a key administrative region on Kenya’s coast, renowned for its vibrant trade and bustling marketplaces. Among these, the Makupa/Majengo Market stands out as a central hub for commerce, serving hundreds of traders and thousands of customers daily. This market, located along Majengo Road, plays a vital role in the local economy, offering a wide variety of goods and services to the residents of Mombasa and its environs.

On March 2, 2026, the County Government of Mombasa, through its Department of Trade, Culture and Tourism, issued a public notice to all traders operating at Makupa/Majengo Market. The notice, signed by Acting Director of Trade Peter Migosi, directed all traders to vacate their stalls within 45 days from the date of the announcement. The directive instructs traders to safely pack and remove their belongings and relocate to a temporary open-air market nearby, as the county prepares to upgrade the market facilities. The county administration emphasized that compliance with the notice is mandatory, and the relocation process will be supervised by the County Director of Trade.

Background of Makupa/Majengo Market

Makupa/Majengo Market stands as one of the most prominent and historic trading hubs in Mombasa county, serving the local community for decades. Strategically located along Majengo Road, the market has long been a bustling center of commerce, drawing in traders and shoppers from across the city and neighboring regions. Its central position has made it a vital point for the distribution of fresh produce, household goods, textiles, and a wide array of merchandise. Over the years, Makupa Market has become synonymous with the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit of Mombasa, supporting thousands of small-scale traders and their families.

The market is home to a diverse mix of businesses, including fruit and vegetable vendors, fishmongers, butchers, clothing retailers, and general merchandise sellers. Many of the traders are long-standing members of the community, with some families having operated stalls for generations. This diversity has fostered a unique marketplace culture, characterized by lively interactions, competitive pricing, and a strong sense of community among traders. Besides its economic significance, Makupa/Majengo Market plays a crucial social role, acting as a gathering place and a source of livelihood for many residents. While the market has seen minor improvements and repairs over the years, it has largely retained its original structure and layout, reflecting both its enduring legacy and the challenges faced in keeping pace with the growing needs of Mombasa’s urban population.

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 the premises within 45 days. The directive, signed by Peter Migosi, Acting Director of Trade in the Department of Tourism, Culture and Trade, sets a clear deadline for traders to remove their wares and clear their stalls, with the notice emphasizing that the countdown began from the date of the announcement. The county cited its authority under local trade and public health regulations, warning that non-compliance could result in enforcement action as stipulated by county laws.

The notice was disseminated through multiple channels, including official county publications, public address systems within the market, and direct communication from county trade officers. Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir and other senior officials underscored the importance of orderly relocation, urging traders to cooperate fully during the transition period. The county assured traders that the process would be supervised by the County Director of Trade to ensure fairness and transparency. In their official statement, the administration thanked the traders for their anticipated cooperation and reiterated that the 45-day window was non-negotiable, reinforcing the legal and administrative weight behind the eviction notice.

Reasons Behind the Market Upgrade

The County Government of Mombasa has outlined several key reasons for the planned upgrade of the Makupa/Majengo Market. According to the Department of Trade, Culture and Tourism, the primary objective is to modernize the market’s infrastructure in line with the county’s broader development agenda. The current market facilities have been described as outdated, lacking adequate storage, and failing to meet modern safety and hygiene standards. By redeveloping the space, the county aims to create a safer and more organized environment for both traders and customers.

The upgrade is also intended to increase the market’s capacity and provide improved amenities such as enhanced security, better waste management systems, and modern stalls. County officials have emphasized that the new market will be designed to accommodate more vendors, thereby supporting the growth of small-scale enterprises and fostering a more vibrant local economy. The initiative is part of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which seeks to stimulate job creation and improve the livelihoods of residents across Mombasa. By addressing the longstanding challenges of congestion, poor sanitation, and inadequate facilities, the county government aims to transform Makupa/Majengo Market into a model trading hub that meets the needs of a rapidly growing urban population.

Reactions from Makupa Traders and the Community

The announcement by Mombasa county has sparked a wave of reactions among Makupa traders and the wider community. Many traders have voiced deep concern over the short notice period, expressing fears about the disruption to their businesses and livelihoods. Several traders, some of whom have operated in Makupa market for decades, stated that relocating to a temporary open-air market will expose them to harsh weather conditions and potential loss of customers. Trader associations have called for more engagement with county officials, urging for clear communication about the relocation process and assurances regarding their return to the upgraded market.

Community leaders and local residents have also weighed in, with some supporting the county’s modernization efforts but urging authorities to prioritize the welfare of small-scale traders. There have been reports of informal meetings and peaceful gatherings among traders, where they discussed possible collective action and drafted appeals for an extension of the vacate period. A few traders have threatened to stage protests if their concerns are not addressed, while others are seeking legal advice to challenge the eviction notice. Despite these tensions, a section of the community remains optimistic, hoping that the market upgrade will eventually benefit both traders and shoppers in Mombasa.

Planned Upgrades and Future of Makupa/Majengo Market

The planned upgrade of Makupa/Majengo Market by the Mombasa county government is set to transform the existing facility into a modern, state-of-the-art trading hub. According to official statements, the new market will feature expanded stall capacity, improved storage facilities, enhanced sanitation, and upgraded security systems to ensure a safer and more conducive environment for both traders and shoppers. The redevelopment project is designed to accommodate a larger number of vendors, with special provisions for small-scale traders who form the backbone of the local economy. The county administration has emphasized that the upgraded market will play a key role in supporting Mombasa’s broader economic goals under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

During the construction phase, which is expected to take less than 12 months, all affected traders will be temporarily relocated to an open-air market situated near the current Makupa/Majengo site along Majengo Road. This move is being coordinated by the County Director of Trade to ensure a smooth transition and minimal disruption to business activities. Upon completion of the new market, priority in stall allocation will be given to current traders, both those operating inside and outside the existing market. The county government has assured that the upgraded facility will not only provide better working conditions but also stimulate growth and prosperity for the entire Mombasa trading community.

Economic and Social Impact on Mombasa County

The decision by Mombasa county to relocate Makupa traders for the market upgrade is poised to have significant economic and social ramifications for the region. In the short term, the displacement of hundreds of traders may lead to a temporary disruption in business activities, potentially affecting the livelihoods of not only the traders themselves but also the wider network of suppliers, transporters, and casual workers who depend on the daily operations of Makupa and Majengo markets. Local businesses that rely on the steady flow of customers to and from the market could experience reduced foot traffic and sales during the transition period. Economic experts note that such interruptions, even if temporary, can result in job losses and financial strain for families who rely on the informal market sector, which forms a substantial part of Mombasa’s economy.

However, county officials and development analysts highlight the long-term economic benefits that a modernized market could bring to Mombasa. The new market is expected to create a more organized and secure trading environment, potentially attracting more vendors and customers, and stimulating growth for small-scale enterprises. Improved infrastructure and facilities may also enhance food safety and product quality, further boosting consumer confidence and spending. According to local authorities, the upgrade aligns with broader efforts to modernize market infrastructure across the county, aiming to increase employment opportunities and foster sustainable economic growth. While the transition poses challenges, the anticipated expansion in market capacity and improved working conditions are projected to ultimately strengthen the social fabric and economic resilience of the Mombasa community.

Source: [The Star, Kenya](https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2026-03-02-makupa-traders-given-45-days-to-vacate-for-market-upgrade)