Calm returns to Mosque lane, as construction of road within Wakulima market begins

Tensions between shop owners and wakulima market traders seem to have subsided as a state of ‘new normalcy’ returns along Mosque road.

When Mtaa Wangu visited the area on Tuesday, most shops were closed. The lane in front of the shops was marked with white chalk to show the allocated slots of traders who had been relocated to pave the way for the construction of a section of Wakulima Market.

However, a spot check on Wednesday revealed that businesses were running smoothly. The shops were open, and both traders and shopkeepers were operating harmoniously.

At the section of Mosque Lane that has been closed off, three large stones have been placed as barricades. Bodaboda riders have now taken advantage of this space to create additional waiting areas for their operations.

As you walk along the street, you have to be cautious not to bump into someone walking in the opposite direction or accidentally step on tomatoes that are spread out on the ground.

Those with commercial umbrellas open them to shield themselves from the scorching sun, while those without either endure the heat or turn to their sweaters for a bit of shade and comfort.

Inside the market, an excavator is already on site, and excavation works on the 200-metre road have commenced.

The entrance to the construction area has been cordoned off with barricade tape. It appeared that some customers are taking advantage of the reduced foot traffic to access the other side of the market through this less crowded route.

According to Geoffrey Karimi, chairman of the tomato section at Wakulima Market, the relocation process was smooth and did not disrupt business operations. He says the traders have continued selling their goods without any major challenges.

“If a dispute occurs, there is a mechanism in place to ensure it is resolved through the help of county enforcement officers,” Karimi notes.

He adds that although there is no proper storage space, the traders ensure their goods are well-covered, as they have been assured of their security at night.

A total of 500 traders have been affected by the relocation to facilitate the construction of a 200-meter road within the market.

The project, which will cost Sh14.1 million, is aimed at addressing long-standing drainage and poor road conditions and is expected to be completed within 30 days.