Mombasa County has issued a 45-day eviction notice to traders at the historic Makupa/Majengo Market, marking a pivotal moment in the region’s ongoing development agenda. The directive, released by the County Department of Trade, Culture and Tourism, urges all vendors to vacate their stalls to allow for a comprehensive market upgrade. This move, part of the county’s broader modernization efforts, aims to transform the bustling market into a state-of-the-art trading hub, promising improved facilities and greater capacity. The market, a cornerstone of Mombasa’s informal economy, is set to undergo significant changes that will impact hundreds of traders and shape the future of commerce in the area.
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 |
| Department Involved | Department of Trade, Culture and Tourism |
| Relocation Site | Temporary open-air market near existing market along Majengo Road |
| 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 |
| Supervision | Relocation supervised by County Director of Trade |
| Priority Allocation | Current traders to be given priority for new stalls upon completion |
| Official Response | Public notice issued urging traders to comply and safely relocate |
In a recent move, the County Government of Mombasa issued a public notice to traders operating at Makupa/Majengo Market, directing them to vacate the premises within a specified period. This directive was communicated through an official announcement by the Department of Trade, Culture and Tourism, underscoring the county’s mandate to manage and upgrade public trading spaces. The notice reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to improving market infrastructure and maintaining orderly urban development in Mombasa.
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. Strategically located along Majengo Road, the market has for decades served as a central point for commerce, attracting a diverse array of traders and customers from across the region. The bustling market is renowned for its wide range of goods, including fresh produce, cereals, spices, textiles, household items, and artisanal products. Both wholesale and retail traders operate within its confines, catering to the daily needs of thousands of residents and supporting smaller satellite markets in the surrounding neighborhoods.
The significance of Makupa/Majengo Market extends beyond commerce, playing a crucial role in fostering community ties and providing livelihoods for countless families. Many of the traders are small-scale entrepreneurs, some of whom have operated in the market for generations, passing down their businesses through family lines. The market’s dynamic environment not only supports local food security and supply chains but also acts as a melting pot for cultural exchange, as people from different backgrounds converge to buy, sell, and interact. Its centrality to Mombasa’s informal economy makes it a vital institution for both economic sustenance and social cohesion in the city.
Details of the 45-Day Eviction Notice
On March 2, 2026, the County Government of Mombasa issued a formal public notice to all traders operating at the Makupa/Majengo Market, instructing them to vacate the premises within 45 days. The notice, released by the Department of Trade, Culture and Tourism and signed by Peter Migosi, Acting Director of Trade, outlined that all traders must clear their stalls and remove their belongings no later than the stipulated deadline. This directive is part of the county’s procedural steps to facilitate the upcoming market upgrade, with the notice emphasizing the importance of compliance to ensure a smooth transition.
The county administration stated that the relocation process will be supervised by the County Director of Trade to maintain order and fairness. Traders were specifically urged to pack and move their wares safely to a designated temporary open-air market nearby. The notice also included a clear warning: failure to vacate within the 45-day period would result in enforcement action in accordance with county laws. Officials expressed appreciation for the anticipated cooperation of the traders during this period, reiterating that the directive is legally binding and forms part of Mombasa’s ongoing development agenda.
Reasons Behind the Market Upgrade
The decision by Mombasa county to upgrade the Makupa/Majengo Market is driven by a commitment to modernize local trading infrastructure and enhance the overall business environment. According to the county government, the existing market facilities have long struggled with issues such as inadequate storage, poor sanitation, and limited security, which have affected both traders and customers. By investing in a comprehensive market upgrade, the county aims to address these historical challenges and create a safer, cleaner, and more efficient space for commerce.
This initiative is part of the broader Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), a flagship policy designed to stimulate economic growth at the grassroots level by supporting small-scale enterprises and improving public amenities. The planned modernization will introduce improved storage facilities, better safety measures, and upgraded utilities, aligning with Mombasa’s vision for sustainable urban development. County officials have emphasized that these enhancements are essential for fostering economic development, supporting job creation, and ensuring that local markets can meet the needs of a growing urban population. The upgrade also reflects the administration’s ongoing efforts to raise standards across all major trading centers in Mombasa, positioning the city as a regional hub for commerce and innovation.
Impact on Traders and Community Response
The announcement by Mombasa county has sparked immediate concern among Makupa traders, many of whom rely on daily sales to support their families. Traders have voiced fears over potential loss of income and disruption to their businesses during the relocation period. Some vendors, particularly those selling perishable goods, worry about the suitability of the temporary open-air market and the risk of reduced customer traffic. The Makupa Traders Association has called for clear guidance from county officials, requesting assurances that all current traders will be accommodated in the new facility once construction is complete.
Community leaders and local business advocates have urged the county government to provide additional support during the transition, including transport assistance and compensation for losses incurred. While some traders have expressed cautious optimism about the long-term benefits of the market upgrade, others have staged peaceful demonstrations, seeking a longer grace period and more transparent communication regarding the relocation process. Negotiations between trader representatives and county authorities are ongoing, with both sides emphasizing the need to balance development goals with the livelihoods of those affected. The situation remains tense, as the community awaits further updates on the implementation of the county’s directive.
Future Plans for Makupa/Majengo Market
As part of its commitment to modernizing local infrastructure, Mombasa county has unveiled ambitious plans for the redevelopment of the Makupa/Majengo Market. The proposed upgrade will transform the existing facility into a state-of-the-art trading hub, designed to accommodate a larger number of vendors and provide a safer, more hygienic environment for both traders and shoppers. According to official statements, the new market will feature enhanced storage facilities, improved sanitation, and upgraded security systems, addressing long-standing concerns about safety and working conditions. The project is a key component of the county’s broader strategy to stimulate economic growth and support small-scale enterprises under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
Construction of the new Makupa/Majengo Market is expected to take less than 12 months, with the county government targeting a swift turnaround to minimize disruption to local commerce. Priority for stall allocation in the upgraded market will be given to current traders, ensuring continuity for businesses that form the backbone of Mombasa’s informal economy. County officials have also indicated that the new market will include modern amenities such as dedicated loading zones, waste management systems, and accessible facilities for people with disabilities. Renderings released by the Department of Trade, Culture and Tourism depict a vibrant, well-organized complex that aims to set a new standard for public markets in the region. The redevelopment is anticipated to not only boost economic activity but also enhance the overall urban landscape of Mombasa, positioning the city as a model for market modernization in Kenya.
Broader Implications for Mombasa’s Urban Development
The planned upgrade of Makupa/Majengo Market is part of a broader push by Mombasa county to modernize its urban infrastructure and trading spaces, reflecting a county-wide strategy to revitalize key economic zones. This initiative aligns with similar projects undertaken in other parts of Mombasa, such as the redevelopment of Kongowea and Marikiti markets, which have aimed to improve market hygiene, expand vendor capacity, and enhance public safety. By investing in modern market facilities, the county seeks to create more organized, accessible, and secure environments for both traders and shoppers, ultimately supporting the growth of small-scale enterprises that are vital to Mombasa’s economy.
Long-term, these market upgrades are expected to have significant implications for local commerce and city planning. The introduction of contemporary amenities and improved infrastructure is likely to attract more customers, increase trading efficiency, and boost the overall economic output of the region. Furthermore, these developments form a crucial component of Mombasa’s urban renewal agenda, which emphasizes sustainable growth, better traffic management, and the integration of informal trading into the city’s formal economy. As the county continues to implement such projects, the relocation and upgrading of markets like Makupa/Majengo will serve as a blueprint for future urban development, reinforcing Mombasa’s position as a leading commercial hub on the Kenyan coast.
Source: [The Star, Kenya](https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2026-03-02-makupa-traders-given-45-days-to-vacate-for-market-upgrade)
