Nairobi Traders Deploy Mobile Payments, Reviving Markets Over Malls

Walk through Gikomba market on a Wednesday morning in 2026, and you'll notice something that would have seemed impossible five years ago: QR codes alongside wooden stalls, M-Pesa payment points next to vintage cloth vendors, and an overall sense of order in spaces once defined by creative chaos.

The transformation sweeping Nairobi's traditional markets reflects a broader shift in how the city shops. While supermarkets and malls dominate the retail landscape for many middle-income residents, a growing number of Nairobians are rediscovering markets—not out of necessity, but out of choice. And the markets themselves have adapted to meet them halfway.

"We've seen foot traffic increase by roughly 30 percent in the past 18 months," says a spokesperson from the Nairobi Market Traders' Association, attributing the shift to improved infrastructure and digital integration. Eastleigh, traditionally known for electronics and textiles, has become particularly popular among younger shoppers seeking authentic bargains without the overhead costs reflected in mall prices. A quality kitenge that might cost 1,200 shillings in a department store often goes for 700-800 shillings in the same neighbourhood.

The appeal extends beyond price. Gikomba's second-hand clothing section—where designer pieces and quality basics flood in from across East Africa—has become a destination for sustainability-conscious shoppers. Mukurweini Street in the Central Business District, meanwhile, has seen renewed energy as young entrepreneurs set up curated pop-up spaces within the market, blending traditional wholesale energy with modern retail presentation.

What's changed most visibly is the infrastructure investment. Better lighting, improved drainage systems following recent rains, and designated spaces for vendors have made markets feel safer and more navigable—particularly for women shoppers who historically avoided certain areas during off-peak hours. Several markets now employ security personnel and have established formal complaint mechanisms.

Digital payment integration has been transformative. Where cash was once king, vendors across Tom Mboya Street, Biashara Street, and smaller markets now accept mobile money, reducing transaction friction and allowing vendors to operate more efficiently. This shift has also attracted younger traders who grew up with digital systems, bringing fresh energy to family businesses.

The broader economic context matters too. As inflation pressures persist and disposable incomes tighten for many households, markets offer tangible value. A family can stock a kitchen at Wakulima Market for a fraction of supermarket costs, and the quality—when you know where to look—rivals retail chains.

For Nairobi, this represents a quiet reclamation. Markets aren't just surviving; they're evolving into spaces that serve both tradition and contemporary urban life.

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