A Model of Order in Urban Commerce

In the heart of Nairobi, Westlands Market stands out as an anomaly of order and cleanliness amidst the city's vibrant, often chaotic, commercial landscape. Unlike many traditional markets that struggle with waste management and disorganisation, Westlands Market operates with a notable level of hygiene and structure, largely attributed to its unique self-regulation model.

On any given Wednesday, 9 October 2025, the market hums with activity, yet a sense of tidiness prevails. This contrasts sharply with the common perception of informal markets in Kenya, which often face criticism for poor sanitation and lack of clear operational guidelines. The market's success demonstrates that self-governance, when effectively implemented, can lead to significant improvements in urban market environments.

Historical and Political Context of Market Management

Historically, urban market management in Kenya has been a complex undertaking, often characterised by challenges in service delivery and public asset management. Many urban centres, despite growing beyond rural market status, continue to be managed by distant county councils, leading to inadequate institutional, legal, and policy frameworks.

Nairobi, like other rapidly urbanising areas in Kenya, has grappled with waste management and sanitation issues. Governor Johnson Sakaja's administration has initiated citywide clean-up exercises under the "Green Nairobi" agenda, aiming to improve cleanliness and hygiene across various estates and key locations, including markets. These efforts often involve community participation and the deployment of personnel, such as the 3,500 Green Army members employed under the Nairobi Green Company Limited.

Self-Regulation: The Westlands Approach

The self-regulation at Westlands Market is spearheaded by an elected committee of stall owners. This committee has implemented a structured approach to market operations, including clear zoning for different types of businesses. For instance, curio shops are located on the top floor, salons and barbershops below, and clothes stalls dominate the rest of the market, with hotels situated at one end.

A key aspect of this self-governance is the strict adherence to cleanliness. Each stall owner is responsible for cleaning their stall and the immediate surrounding area. The market also employs a private garbage collector, which contributes significantly to its overall tidiness. This model underscores a belief that ordinary Kenyans are capable of maintaining order and cleanliness when empowered to do so.

Stakeholders and Testimonies

Raphael Ngigi Kamau, a market committee member and stall owner, explained that the self-regulation system, led by the elected committee, has been instrumental in maintaining order. Vendors like James Maina, a watch repairer who adapted his business from selling books due to digitalisation, highlight the market's dynamic nature and the resilience of its traders.

The market primarily serves workers from surrounding suburbs like Kangemi and Wangige, as well as individuals walking from the Central Business District (CBD), offering a diverse range of products from beauty items and electronics to clothing. The prohibition of miraa and alcohol within the market further contributes to its orderly environment.

Evidence and Data

Risks and Implications

While self-regulation has proven effective in Westlands Market, its broader application across Nairobi's diverse markets may face challenges. Issues such as inadequate waste disposal, contaminated water sources, and unclean food handling practices remain significant public health concerns in many local markets. The success of self-regulation often depends on strong community cohesion and effective enforcement mechanisms, which may vary across different market contexts.

However, the Westlands model offers a compelling case for empowering market communities to take ownership of their spaces, potentially reducing the burden on county government resources and fostering a greater sense of responsibility among traders. The Nairobi City County has previously acknowledged the efficiency of private companies in waste collection compared to the City Council in Westlands, with residents generally satisfied with private services.

What to Watch

The Westlands Market's self-regulation model presents a valuable case study for urban planners and policymakers in Kenya. Observing how this model can be replicated or adapted in other markets, particularly those with varying socio-economic dynamics and existing governance structures, will be crucial. The ongoing efforts by the Nairobi County Government under the "Green Nairobi" agenda to improve city cleanliness could potentially integrate lessons learned from successful self-regulated markets.

Further attention should be paid to the long-term sustainability of such self-regulatory frameworks, including mechanisms for conflict resolution, financial management, and adapting to evolving urbanisation challenges. The Capital Markets Authority in Kenya, for example, encourages self-regulation to the maximum practical extent within its framework, suggesting a broader governmental recognition of its potential.