Inside Gachagua's Closed-Door Meeting With Nyamakima Traders

A screengrab of Nairobi Traders protesting along Harambee Avenue next to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s office.

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Seth Olale

He told them to feel free to always reach out to him reiterating the Kenya Kwanza government was an open, receptive administration keen on ensuring the growth and success of local businesses.

“This is a government that listens to the people. It’s a guiding principle President William Ruto has entrenched in his administration and we are keen to ensure all our doors are open to anyone who wants to raise their grievances with us,” Gachagua indicated. 

He further affirmed to the traders that the government would not turn its back on the people who overwhelmingly voted for them saying owners of micro, small and medium enterprises formed the bulk of their supporters.

“The government you elected cannot abandon you. It will always listen to you and ensure your businesses thrive,” he stated.

The DP asked the traders to allow the government to exhaustively look into the issues and come up with comprehensive feedback on their problems in the next three weeks.

He assured the traders that the government will be rolling out quick interventions to cushion their businesses against deterrent policies.

This was the second meeting with the first one having taken place exactly a week ago at the DP’s office.

Gachagua revealed that the meeting at his office was attended by top relevant government officials including a number of cabinet secretaries, lawmakers, principal secretaries, and heads of parastatals. 

However, conspicuously missing from the meeting was Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja. 

Represented at the meeting include small-scale traders from Nyamakima, Kamukunji, Gikomba, and River Road. 

The representatives presented their proposals to the DP including their call on the government to implement policies that limit foreign investment in the country to manufacturing and the value chain.

The meeting came a day after the traders staged demonstrations at the Deputy President’s office over what they claimed to be the infiltration of foreigners into their market. 

During the Tuesday, February 28 protests, the traders claimed that the China Square retail shop located at Unicity Mall had adversely affected their businesses.