The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Hawkers in Nairobi are threatening to stage a protest in response to Governor Johnson Sakaja’s decision to ban them from operating on the main streets of the Central Business District (CBD).
The hawkers’ association has announced plans to march to City Hall to express their opposition to the directive and demand the right to conduct business without restrictions.
Dorcas Wairimu, a hawker in the CBD, expressed concern, saying, “We have families to take care of, and you can’t expect us to leave while we have responsibilities.”
On the other hand, the business community has supported the governor’s decision, arguing that unregulated hawking has been disruptive to their operations for years. They clarified that their position is not against the hawkers but is instead a call for order and respect for designated business areas, highlighting that they pay taxes to operate legally.
In an effort to restore order, the county government has relocated hawkers to designated backstreets and lanes within the CBD.
A directive issued on January 6, 2025, introduced new regulations, allowing hawking only between 4:00 pm and 10:00 pm, Monday to Friday. The approved hawking areas extend from Tom Mboya Street to Kirinyaga Road.
Stephen Wambiya, chairperson of the Luthuli Business Community, noted, “The overcrowding of hawkers discourages our customers from entering the CBD.”
