Wrotten By Lisa Murimi
Nairobi County Bans Hawking in CBD Walkways, Main Streets
The Nairobi County government has issued a stern notice banning hawkers from selling their merchandise along walkways and main streets within the Central Business District (CBD).Â
Governor Johnson Sakaja, in a statement, emphasized that key thoroughfares, including Moi Avenue, Haile Selassie Avenue, Kenneth Matiba Road, and Ronald Ngala Street, are strictly off-limits to hawkers.
This move aims to address congestion in the CBD, with Sakaja reiterating that streets and walkways are meant for pedestrians and not trading activities.Â
The refurbished walkways, constructed as part of an ambitious Ksh 8.7 billion project funded by the United States government, were highlighted as vital to decongesting the city.
Despite the ban, hawkers were offered a reprieve as the county government designated specific backstreets and lanes, such as those between Tom Mboya Street and Kirinyaga Road, where hawking will be permitted from Monday to Saturday.
The notice comes amid heightened tensions, as past efforts to relocate traders to Kangundo Road market led to protests.Â
Governor Sakaja remains firm, warning that violators will face prosecution under Nairobi City County laws.
Tensions Between Leaders Over Hawkers
The move comes amidst a backdrop of escalating tensions between Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and then Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The two leaders have been embroiled in a public spat over how the county handles hawkers in the city.
Gachagua had accused the county government of harassing hawkers and undermining their livelihoods, describing the enforcement measures as excessive and unfair.
Gachagua held rallied against evictions and crackdowns on hawkers, claiming they disenfranchise small-scale traders who rely on the streets for their income.Â
Sakaja, on the other hand, has defended the regulations, stating they are necessary to ensure a balance between supporting traders and maintaining Nairobi’s status as a world-class city.
The new directive has sparked mixed reactions among Nairobi residents. Some city dwellers welcome the measures, arguing that hawking on main streets often disrupts pedestrian movement and creates congestion. However, hawkers have expressed frustration, with many saying they feel marginalized and fear losing their primary source of income.
Governor Johnson Sakaja, in a statement, emphasized that key thoroughfares, including Moi Avenue, Haile Selassie Avenue, Kenneth Matiba Road, and Ronald Ngala Street, are strictly off-limits to hawkers.
This move aims to address congestion in the CBD, with Sakaja reiterating that streets and walkways are meant for pedestrians and not trading activities.
The refurbished walkways, constructed as part of an ambitious Ksh 8.7 billion project funded by the United States government, were highlighted as vital to decongesting the city.
Despite the ban, hawkers were offered a reprieve as the county government designated specific backstreets and lanes, such as those between Tom Mboya Street and Kirinyaga Road, where hawking will be permitted from Monday to Saturday.
The notice comes amid heightened tensions, as past efforts to relocate traders to Kangundo Road market led to protests.
Governor Sakaja remains firm, warning that violators will face prosecution under Nairobi City County laws.
Tensions Between Leaders Over Hawkers
The move comes amidst a backdrop of escalating tensions between Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and then Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The two leaders have been embroiled in a public spat over how the county handles hawkers in the city.
Gachagua had accused the county government of harassing hawkers and undermining their livelihoods, describing the enforcement measures as excessive and unfair.
Gachagua held rallied against evictions and crackdowns on hawkers, claiming they disenfranchise small-scale traders who rely on the streets for their income.
Sakaja, on the other hand, has defended the regulations, stating they are necessary to ensure a balance between supporting traders and maintaining Nairobi’s status as a world-class city.
The new directive has sparked mixed reactions among Nairobi residents. Some city dwellers welcome the measures, arguing that hawking on main streets often disrupts pedestrian movement and creates congestion. However, hawkers have expressed frustration, with many saying they feel marginalized and fear losing their primary source of income.
