By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, June 30, 2026 - Hundreds of traders displaced by the fire that destroyed sections of the Nanyuki New Market are set to resume business after the Laikipia County Government announced that the reconstruction project has entered its final phase, with a structured plan to allow traders back into the market as rebuilding continues.
Speaking on Tuesday after a consultative meeting with the Market Committee and representatives of traders, Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu said the county had made significant progress in restoring the market and was now preparing to rebuild the sections that were completely destroyed by the blaze.
"I convened a consultative meeting with the Market Committee and representatives of the Nanyuki New Market to review the progress of the ongoing restoration and reconstruction works following the unfortunate fire that affected sections of the market," Irungu said.
The governor said the first phase of the project had been completed successfully, including the safe removal and disposal of asbestos materials and a comprehensive clean-up of the market.
"I am pleased by the steady progress we have made together. The first phase of the project, which involved the safe removal and disposal of asbestos materials and the thorough cleaning of the market, has been completed successfully," he said.
He added that the second phase, which involved roofing all sections that escaped the fire, had also been completed.
"We have also concluded the second phase, which entailed roofing all the sections that were not affected by the fire," he said.
Irungu said discussions with traders focused on the third and final phase of the project, which will involve reconstructing the sections that were destroyed while allowing business to resume in the unaffected areas.
"Our discussions focused on the third and final phase; the reconstruction of the sections that were completely destroyed by the blaze. We agreed on a structured approach that will allow traders to reoccupy the intact sections of the market and resume their businesses as reconstruction works continue," he said.
To keep the project on schedule, the governor directed the Department of Infrastructure to complete the reconstruction designs by July 10, 2026.
More from Kenya
"To ensure the project remains on schedule, the Department of Infrastructure has committed to finalising the reconstruction designs by July 10, 2026, paving the way for the commencement of the final phase of the works," he said.
Irungu further announced that the market would be handed over to the Nanyuki Municipality once the restoration works are complete.
"We further agreed that upon the successful completion of the restoration project, the Nanyuki New Market will formally be handed over to the Nanyuki Municipality for management and administration," he said.
The governor commended traders for remaining patient despite the disruption caused by the fire, saying their resilience had inspired the county government to fast-track the reconstruction.
"The resilience, patience and determination demonstrated by our traders throughout this difficult period have been truly remarkable," he said.
"As a County Government, we remain steadfast in our commitment to restoring the market without delay, delivering a safer, modern and more conducive trading environment that will support enterprise, create opportunities and strengthen livelihoods for years to come."
The reopening of sections of the market is expected to provide much-needed relief to traders whose businesses were disrupted by the fire while reconstruction of the damaged sections continues.