The County Government of Mombasa has issued a 45-day public notice directing traders operating at Makupa/Majengo Market to vacate and clear their stalls to pave the way for the construction of a new modern market.

In a notice released by the Department of Trade, Culture and Tourism, the county said the relocation is aimed at facilitating the development of a modern facility designed to accommodate more traders and improve the overall trading environment.

"This is to facilitate the construction of a new modern market intended to accommodate more traders, improve work environment, provide better storage facilities, and foster safety and security of traders and their wares,” the notice reads in part.

The project forms part of the government’s flagship initiatives under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which seeks to promote job creation and boost small-scale businesses across the country.

According to the notice signed by Acting Director of Trade Peter M. Migosi, traders have been urged to safely pack and remove all their belongings from their current stalls within 45 days from the date of the notice.

They will temporarily relocate to an open-air market site located near the current market along Majengo Road, as will be directed by the County Director of Trade.

“The modern market construction project is expected to take less than 12 months, after which priority for the new, modern stalls will be given to current traders in and outside the market,” the notice states.

The county further warned that failure to comply within the stipulated timeframe could attract enforcement action in accordance with county laws.

"All affected traders are urged to comply within the stipulated timeframe to avoid enforcement action in accordance with the County laws. We appreciate your cooperation in improving our trading environment,” Migosi added.

"he relocation is expected to significantly impact traders in the busy Makupa/Majengo area, particularly small-scale vendors who rely on daily sales.

However, county officials maintain that the long-term benefits of a modernized market infrastructure will enhance business operations, safety standards, and economic growth within Mvita and the larger Mombasa County.