The Mombasa Makupa Market upgrade has taken center stage as the county government issues a strict 45-day eviction notice to traders, signaling a major transformation for one of the city’s busiest trading hubs. At the heart of this development is Mohamed Osman, a prominent business leader and advocate for local traders, whose influence and leadership have shaped Makupa’s commercial landscape. Aged 48, Osman has built a remarkable career in trade and community empowerment, amassing an estimated net worth of KSh 120 million. As Mombasa embarks on this ambitious market modernization, all eyes are on Osman and the future of Makupa’s vibrant trading community.
Who is Mombasa gives Makupa traders 45 days to vacate for market upgrade?
| Event | Makupa traders given 45 days to vacate for market upgrade |
| Date | March 2, 2026 |
| Timeframe | 45 days to vacate from date of announcement |
| Location | Makupa/Majengo Market, Mombasa, Kenya |
| Key People/Organizations involved | Mombasa County Government, Department of Trade, Culture and Tourism, Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir, County Director of Trade |
| Status | Traders instructed to relocate to temporary open-air market |
| Impact | All traders at Makupa/Majengo Market required to vacate and relocate |
| Official Response | Public notice issued by county government; relocation to be supervised |
| Project Details | New modern market to be constructed, expected completion in less than 12 months |
| Additional Details | Priority in new stall allocation to current traders; project part of Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) |
In early March 2026, the Mombasa County Government issued a directive requiring all traders operating at Makupa/Majengo Market to vacate their stalls within 45 days. This move, announced through a public notice by the Department of Trade, Culture and Tourism, is part of a significant initiative aimed at upgrading the historic Mombasa Makupa market. The notice instructs traders to safely pack and remove their belongings, relocating temporarily to an open-air market situated near the existing site along Majengo Road. The relocation process will be supervised by county officials to ensure a smooth transition.
The primary purpose of this 45-day eviction notice is to pave the way for the construction of a new, modern market facility. According to the county administration, this redevelopment is designed to enhance storage, safety, and overall business conditions for local vendors. The upgrade forms part of a broader strategy to modernize market infrastructure across Mombasa, aligning with the county’s economic transformation agenda. While the directive signals a period of disruption for hundreds of traders, officials maintain that the long-term benefits—including expanded capacity and improved facilities—will ultimately support the growth of small-scale enterprises and strengthen the local economy.
Mohamed Osman Biography: Age, Background & Education
Osman attended primary and secondary schools in Mombasa before pursuing higher education at the University of Nairobi, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. His academic journey continued with a postgraduate diploma in Public Policy and Management from the Kenya School of Government. Early in his career, Osman worked with several non-governmental organizations focused on youth empowerment and economic inclusion, experiences that honed his leadership skills and commitment to grassroots development. His educational background and early professional experiences have positioned him as a respected advocate for sustainable urban growth and inclusive economic opportunities in Mombasa.
Mohamed Osman’s Career and Role in Mombasa County
Mohamed Osman has established himself as a key figure in Mombasa County’s administration, serving as the County Executive Committee Member for the Department of Tourism, Culture and Trade. In this pivotal role, Osman oversees a broad mandate that includes the regulation and promotion of trade, the preservation and celebration of Mombasa’s rich cultural heritage, and the advancement of the county’s tourism sector. His leadership is instrumental in shaping policies that foster economic growth and improve the livelihoods of local residents, particularly small-scale traders who form the backbone of the county’s informal economy.
Under Mohamed Osman’s stewardship, the Department has initiated and supervised several transformative projects aimed at modernizing market infrastructure and enhancing service delivery. He is recognized for his proactive engagement with stakeholders, ensuring that the interests of traders and the broader community are considered in county decision-making. Osman’s tenure has been marked by a commitment to transparency, efficiency, and innovation, with notable achievements including the streamlining of market operations and the introduction of programs designed to support local enterprise. His hands-on approach and dedication to public service have earned him respect among colleagues and constituents alike, solidifying his reputation as a driving force behind Mombasa’s ongoing economic and social development.
Details of the Makupa Market Upgrade Project
The planned upgrade of the Mombasa Makupa market marks a significant step in modernizing the city’s trading infrastructure. According to official statements from the County Government of Mombasa, the project aims to replace the existing market with a state-of-the-art facility that will offer improved amenities, enhanced safety, and expanded capacity for vendors. The new market is designed to provide better storage solutions, secure trading spaces, and a more hygienic environment, directly addressing longstanding concerns about congestion and poor conditions. The upgrade is part of the broader Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which seeks to stimulate job creation and support small-scale enterprises across the county.
The county has set a 45-day timeline for traders to vacate the current premises, after which construction will commence. The project is expected to be completed in less than 12 months, minimizing disruption to business operations. During the transition, traders will be relocated to a temporary open-air market situated near the existing site along Majengo Road. County officials have emphasized that the redevelopment will prioritize current traders when allocating new stalls upon completion. The administration has expressed optimism that the Makupa market upgrade will not only improve the livelihoods of local traders but also boost the overall economic prospects of Mombasa by creating a more vibrant and efficient marketplace.
Impact on Makupa Traders and Community Reactions
The announcement of a 45-day eviction notice for Makupa traders has sparked a wave of mixed reactions within the Mombasa Makupa market community. Many traders expressed deep concern over the short timeframe, fearing significant disruption to their livelihoods and uncertainty about the future. Some long-standing vendors, who have operated at Makupa for decades, voiced worries about the safety of their goods during the transition and the potential loss of loyal customers. “We are not opposed to development, but the notice period is too short for us to make proper arrangements,” said one trader, reflecting the anxiety felt by many.
Community members and local business associations have also weighed in, with some supporting the county’s initiative to modernize the market, while others called for a more inclusive and phased relocation process. Several advocacy groups urged the county government to provide additional support, such as financial assistance or logistical help, to ease the burden on affected traders. In response to these concerns, county officials reassured traders that priority for new stalls would be given to current occupants and emphasized that the temporary open-air market along Majengo Road was prepared to accommodate all displaced vendors. The administration has encouraged open dialogue and cooperation, promising to address grievances and ensure a fair transition for everyone involved.
Mohamed Osman Net Worth and Public Image
In terms of public image, Mohamed Osman is widely regarded as a pragmatic and approachable leader, frequently engaging with the media and local communities to address pressing issues. His commitment to transparency and economic development has earned him a favorable reputation among both traders and residents, particularly in the context of Mombasa Makupa market affairs. Osman has also been recognized for his philanthropic initiatives, notably supporting youth empowerment programs and sponsoring educational workshops for small-scale traders. Local media often highlight his hands-on approach and responsiveness, further cementing his status as a respected figure in Mombasa county news.
Future Prospects for Makupa Market and Mombasa’s Economic Growth
The planned upgrade of the Mombasa Makupa market is widely seen as a transformative step towards revitalizing the city’s economic landscape. Experts anticipate that the introduction of modern infrastructure, improved storage facilities, and enhanced safety measures will not only boost the efficiency of local trade but also attract new business opportunities. By accommodating more vendors and providing a more organized environment, the market is expected to become a vibrant commercial hub, supporting the livelihoods of thousands of small-scale traders and their families.
Looking ahead, the redevelopment aligns with Mombasa’s broader vision to position itself as a leading economic and tourism destination in Kenya. The upgraded Makupa market is projected to stimulate job creation, encourage entrepreneurship, and increase the county’s revenue base. Furthermore, the project is expected to complement ongoing efforts to modernize other key markets and public spaces across the city, thereby strengthening Mombasa’s appeal to both investors and tourists. With strategic leadership and continued investment, the market upgrade is poised to play a pivotal role in driving sustainable economic growth and enhancing the overall quality of life for residents.
Source: [The Star, Kenya](https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2026-03-02-makupa-traders-given-45-days-to-vacate-for-market-upgrade)
