Where Did the Sh100M Toi Market Budget Go? Governor Sakaja Faces Backlash After Market Fire
Nairobi City County Governor Johnson Sakaja faced a setback on Saturday when he was pelted with stones by a group of youths from Toi Market, the area he oversees while trying to express solidarity after a fire devastated a large part of the market.
The blaze resulted in four fatalities and left hundreds of traders in one of Nairobi’s bustling markets assessing their losses.
The discontent among the traders stemmed from unfulfilled promises made by the county government following a similar fire incident in June 2023.
Toi Market, situated on a four-acre plot embroiled in a dispute between traders and a private developer claiming ownership, is equipped with makeshift structures of iron sheets and polythene coverings.
Upon taking office in 2022, Governor Sakaja’s initial budget for the 2023/2024 fiscal year earmarked significant funding for market upgrades.
Toi Market was allocated Sh100 million in this budget, which was intended to transform it into a modern market.
Planned improvements included the installation of fire hydrants, permanent stalls, and a perimeter wall.
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Despite these promises, the last financial year ended with no progress in the development of Toi Market, contradicting earlier assurances from the governor aimed at preventing frequent fires.
In addition, other markets received substantial allocations, including Sh150 million each for Maji Mazuri and Kangemi Markets, Sh100 million for Mutuini Market, and Sh100 million for a proposed market in Hospital Ward.
Under the same fiscal year, the Nairobi County Assembly allocated funds to several other markets, including Sh40 million for Ngumba Market, Sh30 million for Karen Market, and Sh20 million each for Jujo Market, Club 36 Market, and Baba Dogo Market.
Efforts by The Nation to contact Nairobi County Director of Markets, Ms. Joyce Kyengo, regarding the failure to develop Toi Market despite the allocated funds were unsuccessful, with calls and messages going unanswered.
Amid the traders’ complaints about unfulfilled promises, Governor Sakaja accused his political opponents of inciting youths to disrupt his engagement with the affected traders.
ALSO READ: Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja Stoned During Visit to Toi Market(Video)
“We will support the affected families during this difficult time. We will rebuild and help traders recover. Thanks to the first responders and everyone who assisted. Despite having seven fires across the city last night, we are committed to supporting all affected. Those responsible for incitement will not deter us from helping our people,” stated Governor Sakaja.
Governor Sakaja was chased away alongside Woodley Ward Member of County Assembly, Mr. Davidson Ngibuini.
In June of the previous year, the Majority Leader in the Nairobi County Assembly, Mr. Peter Imwatok, proposed a motion to upgrade Toi Market’s structures and rename them.
Mr. Imwatok suggested renaming the market to Raila Odinga Market to prevent future fires, believing that the current name might be contributing to the issues.
However, the proposed motion has yet to be presented to the Assembly, and Toi Market continues to experience fire incidents.
During Mike Sonko’s administration, there were plans to demolish Toi Market to make way for a major development, which included a modern market, 3,000 market stalls, and surrounding affordable housing.
This fire incident marks the second under Governor Sakaja’s leadership, with minimal measures taken to prevent such occurrences.
Gikomba Market, one of the largest markets in the county, also suffers from frequent fires despite promises of permanent structures and a fire station, which have yet to be realized.
Where Did the Sh100M Toi Market Budget Go? Governor Sakaja Faces Backlash After Market Fire
