Traders at Nairobi’s bustling Gikomba Market are counting heavy losses after a section of the popular shoe market (mitumba shoe section) was demolished overnight by Nairobi City County enforcement teams. The operation took place in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Videos and photos circulating on social media show destroyed merchandise and devastated traders who arrived at the market this morning to find their businesses in ruins. According to reports, the county government carried out the demolition after an eviction notice lapsed. This happened even though the High Court (Environment and Land Court) had earlier issued and extended conservatory orders in March 2026, halting mass demolitions and evictions at Gikomba and surrounding areas along the Nairobi River.

Repeated demolitions

Demolitions at Gikomba are not new. As far back as 1977, the original market was brought down by the government to pave the way for light industries. In recent years, attention has shifted to the riparian land along the Nairobi River, with authorities proposing to expand the buffer zone from 30 metres to 50 metres in a bid to control flooding.

Many traders have raised concerns over what they describe as poor consultation, shifting relocation plans and the lack of a clear and secure alternative site. There are also growing fears that the process could open the door to land grabbing and cartel involvement.

Impact

For most traders at Gikomba, the market is more than just a place of business. It is their only source of livelihood. Repeated fires and demolitions have created a cycle of uncertainty, financial strain and constant rebuilding. Many small business owners say they struggle to recover after each loss, only to face another setback months later.

Calls for improved fire safety measures, fair relocation plans and meaningful engagement with authorities continue to grow louder. Without long term and sustainable solutions, Gikomba traders will continue to bear the high cost of operating in one of Nairobi’s busiest yet most vulnerable markets.

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Parenting often revolves around setting boundaries and ensuring children follow rules. While discipline is essential, there is a hidden joy and power in saying “yes” to your child more often. Allowing controlled freedom can be a game-changer in fostering independence, confidence, and resilience in your child.

The Power of Yes

Saying “yes” doesn’t mean giving in to every whim or desire. Instead, it’s about choosing moments where your child can explore their world with freedom.

Whether it’s allowing them to choose their outfit for the day or letting them plan a family outing, these small moments of empowerment build self-esteem.

Building Confidence Through Freedom

Children thrive when they feel trusted. By saying “yes” to reasonable requests, you’re telling your child that you believe in their ability to make decisions.

This trust translates into confidence as they learn to navigate their choices, understanding the consequences and rewards that come with them.

Creating Safe Boundaries

While saying “yes” is powerful, it’s crucial to establish safe boundaries. These boundaries ensure that your child’s freedom doesn’t lead to harm.

For example, you might say, “Yes, you can play outside, but stay where I can see you.” This approach allows freedom within a safe framework, giving your child the space to grow while keeping them protected.

Encouraging Problem-Solving Skills

When you allow your child to make decisions, you’re also teaching them to solve problems. They learn to think critically about their choices, weighing options, and considering outcomes. This skill is invaluable, as it prepares them for real-world challenges.

The Lasting Impact

The simple act of saying “yes” more often can have a profound impact on your child’s development. It’s a way to show trust, build confidence, and encourage independence.

So next time your child asks for something, consider the power of “yes.” It might just be the best answer you give all day.

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In a recent case in Nairobi, a young woman was attacked with acid in a violent act allegedly linked to a failed relationship.

While the incident is deeply disturbing, it raises a bigger question: how are we raising young people to understand boundaries, respect, and emotional control in relationships?

Violence does not begin with the act itself. It often begins much earlier, in the lessons children learn or do not learn about love and relationships. Many young people today are left to figure this out on their own, learning from social media, peers, and media rather than from guided conversations at home.

Without proper guidance, love can be misunderstood. Some young people begin to see jealousy as care, control as affection, and persistence as commitment. These beliefs, if unchecked, can shape how they respond to rejection or conflict, sometimes with harmful consequences.

Many parents avoid conversations about relationships, believing their children are too young or that the topic is uncomfortable. However, silence does not protect children. Instead, it leaves them to navigate emotions and situations they may not fully understand, increasing the risk of unhealthy relationship patterns.

Children need to learn early that healthy relationships are built on respect, boundaries, and emotional safety. These lessons are not taught in a single conversation, but through ongoing guidance and the example set at home. When parents communicate openly and model respect, children are more likely to carry these values into their own relationships.

Ultimately, stories like this should prompt reflection, not just on what went wrong, but on what can be done differently. Because preventing such tragedies begins long before they happen at home, in the conversations we choose to have, and in the values we pass on.

Love should never come at the cost of safety, and raising children who understand this is one of the most important responsibilities parents carry.

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