A planned development project at Ngoliba Market in Thika has been abruptly halted following a court order obtained by the Kiambu County Government.
The ruling, which has caused ripples in the local business community, came just hours ahead of President William Ruto is expected to visit the County, launching several key initiatives aimed at boosting local economies.
On March 28, 2025, the Kiambu High Court issued an injunction halting the ongoing construction at Ngoliba Market, a project meant to modernize the market and enhance economic activities in the area.
Enforcement officers, acting on the court order, swiftly demolished a portion of the newly built perimeter wall, sparking confusion and frustration among local traders.
“The market was supposed to be a game-changer for us,” said Moses Kamau, a trader at Ngoliba Market.
“We were hopeful that the new construction would help attract more customers and improve our sales. Now, we are back to square one.”
The court order was issued following a petition by the Kiambu County Government, which claimed that the project was being carried out without proper approvals and violated several land use regulations.
The court is hereby pleased to issue an injunctive order restraining the 1 to 8th respondent herein either by themselves, their agents servants, employees representatives and assigns from interfering in any way either by the continued impugned construction, demolition of existing facilities and/or artyother manner whatsoever with the property LR NO NGOLIBA/TOWNSHIP 93 AND LR NO NGOLIBA/TOWNSHIP/94 on which Ngoliba market is situated on pending the hearing and determination of this application,” Justice Dorah Chepkwony ordered
The petition named multiple respondents, including the Enchanting Construction Company Ltd., the Ministry of Housing, County Commissioner Kiambu, Director Urban Development and the Attorney General.
Justice Chepkwony also barred the state and assigns to immediately vacate property LR NO NGOLIBA/TOWNSHIP 93 AND LR NO NGOLIBA/TOWNSHIP/94 on which Ngoliba market is situated on pending the hearing and determination of the lawsuit.
A spokesperson for the Kiambu County Government, who declined to be named, said, “We have long been concerned that the construction of this market was not in compliance with the law. It is essential that all development projects align with legal and environmental standards to avoid future complications.”
The court’s ruling, which came after a motion filed by the county government, also ordered that the construction be halted immediately and that all parties involved vacate the site until the matter is resolved.
The application will be heard inter partes on April 8, 2025.
“I cannot understand how a project of such magnitude can proceed without ensuring that all legal requirements are met,” said Solomon Kibue, the petitioner in the case.
“This halt is necessary to ensure that the rights of local residents and traders are protected.”
