Gikomba right now: what's changed in 2026
Gikomba sits in Kamukunji, on the Nairobi River, east of the CBD.[1][2][3] It's being rebuilt in phases while it keeps trading.[4] The government is replacing its wood and iron-sheet stalls with multi-storey blocks, in a project put at KSh5 billion.[5][6][7]
Here's what has happened since March, and what it means for your next visit.
A deadly fire
An early-morning fire swept through the open-air stalls. The Kamukunji MP said nearly 90 per cent of them, including Sections B and C, were destroyed.[1] He called it the worst tragedy in the market's history.
Block B collapses
The fire-damaged Block B caved in, killing two people. Witnesses said a group had gone inside to strip it for scrap metal.[9]
Three blocks rise
Officials reported three multi-storey blocks standing, with roofing underway. Phase One is designed for up to 7,000 traders, and the plans add a fish-processing zone, a day-care centre and basement parking.[6]
Phase One dueTARGET
Phase One is targeted for completion by 15 October. More than 5,000 displaced traders are expected back from October, into blocks with lifts, parking, a police station and a new firefighting system.[2]
What this means for your trip
- Your usual seller may have moved. Call or WhatsApp them before you go and ask exactly where they trade now.
- Expect building work and new routes, including road works behind the new market building.
- Stalls will keep moving as traders take up space in the new blocks from October. Save the numbers of sellers you like.
Gikomba market days and opening times
Gikomba has no special market day. It trades every day, and mitumba sellers open fresh bales daily.[4]
Hours vary across the market. The mitumba traders start early, and the chai and mandazi sellers open even before them.[4]
The best time to go
Go early for choice. Bales are cut open from about 7am, according to Wild Springs, a licensed Nairobi tour operator.[4] The best branded pieces go within two hours.
Resellers come early for “camera”, the trade's name for top-grade pieces.[12] If you want the same finds, you're competing with them.
Go later for space. Afternoons are calmer, with less competition over each pile.[4]
What you'll find at Gikomba
Clothes are Gikomba's best-known trade, but far from its only one. The Daily Nation describes it as a market for second-hand goods and food.[13]
Mitumba clothes
Second-hand clothes by the piece or the bale, from everyday basics to denim, sportswear and jackets.[4]
Shoes
The old Ya Viatu shoe section was demolished in March, so ask your seller where they trade now.[7]
Household goods
Carpets, utensils and everyday homeware.[13]
Fish and chicken
Fish and poultry.[13][10] The new market plans a fish-processing zone for about 300 traders.[6]
Bags and cosmetics
Both were sold in the stalls cleared behind the new building on 22 September.[10]
Timber and jua kali
Timber and jua kali goods, in sections hit by fires in April 2025 and February 2026.[5]
Closer to Ngong Road? Read our Toi Market guide.
Bales or pieces: how mitumba buying works
Mitumba reaches Gikomba in bales of second-hand clothing from Europe, North America and Asia. Traders buy them by weight, cut them open at the market, then sort and price the contents.[4]
By the piece
KSh100–300per piece, women's clothesA Gikomba reseller told Money254 in February 2026 that she pays this, depending on quality and size.[12] Expect to bargain.[4]
By the bale
KSh25,000Money254's worked example: a bale of shirtsBale buying calls for knowledge of grading and quality.[12] If you're new to mitumba, start with pieces.
Prices move with the grade and the contents, so compare a few sellers before you buy.
How to shop Gikomba
Six habits that make a Gikomba trip cheaper, safer and quicker.
Set a budget first
Low prices add up fast when every pile has something in it. Decide your limit before you arrive.
Carry small notes
Keep cash in small notes in an inside pocket.[4] The crowds are dense, so keep your phone out of sight.
Check every piece
Look for stains, tears, broken zips and altered seams. Hold it up to the light before you pay.
Bargain, politely
Prices are negotiated, not fixed.[4] Ask two or three sellers before you settle on one.
Save your seller's number
Good sellers are worth going back to. With traders moving into the new blocks, a number is how you'll find them again.
Sources
- Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan says deadly Gikomba fire the worst tragedy in market's history, The Eastleigh Voice, 21 June 2026.
- Gikomba Modern Market Set to Improve Trading Conditions for Thousands of Traders, Business Today, 27 September 2026.
- Gikomba market, Wikipedia, accessed 30 September 2026.
- Gikomba Market Tour Nairobi 2026, Wild Springs Adventures, accessed 30 September 2026.
- Fire Breaks Out at Gikomba Market, Kenyans.co.ke, 20 February 2026.
- Gikomba Market's 7,000-Trader Modern Complex Takes Shape, Business Today, 19 August 2026.
- Government to redevelop Gikomba Market in six months with Sh5 billion funding, The Eastleigh Voice, 1 April 2026.
- Gikomba traders assured of modern market as construction begins, The Standard, 14 April 2026.
- Two dead after Gikomba market building collapses days after fire incident, Citizen Digital, 26 June 2026.
- Gikomba Cry: Nighttime demolitions leave traders stranded, Sifa FM, 23 September 2026.
- President Ruto confirms start of Gikomba Market Phase 2 construction, Mjengo Hub, 22 September 2026.
- 5 Innovative Ways Young People Are Using to Make Money From Mitumba Business, Money254, 25 February 2026.
- Gikomba 'plugs': Young Kenyans make big bucks from mitumba shopping, Daily Nation, 5 March 2025.
Last updated 30 September 2026. Gikomba is changing fast, so check this date before you plan a trip.
