Traders Protest Uhuru Market Demolition, Halting Jogoo Road Traffic

On March 18, traders protested on Jogoo Road against the planned demolition of Uhuru Market, causing major traffic disruptions. The demonstrations involved burning tires and blocking access to the Nairobi CBD. Ownership disputes with private developers have long plagued the market, compounded by a court ruling in 2021 that temporarily blocked developer control. There is currently no official notice confirming the demolition.

On March 18, traders in Nairobi staged a significant protest, causing severe traffic disruptions along Jogoo Road due to the impending demolition of Uhuru Market. The demonstrators ignited tires near the Likoni Road junction, obstructing access to Nairobi’s Central Business District, which prompted motorists to find alternate routes and resulted in a considerable traffic jam.

Uhuru Market has experienced various threats of demolition, primarily stemming from ongoing land ownership disputes with private developers asserting claims over the property. In 2021, a Nairobi court intervened by issuing a temporary order that prohibited a private developer from seizing control of the market area during these ownership conflicts.

Despite the escalating tensions surrounding the situation, there remains a lack of official governmental communication regarding the proposed demolition, leaving many traders and community members apprehensive about the future of Uhuru Market and its operations.

The protest by traders on Jogoo Road highlights significant tensions over land ownership issues concerning Uhuru Market. With an absence of government confirmation regarding the demolition plans, the situation remains precarious for traders reliant on this market for their livelihoods. This incident underscores the ongoing conflicts surrounding urban development and property rights in Nairobi.

Original Source: www.capitalfm.co.ke