Nairobi Governor Sonko to Take 300 Hawkers, Boda-Boda Operators On a Benchmarking Tour Abroad Next Month

Nairobi  Governor Mike Sonko administration will next month take a group of 300 city hawkers, boda-boda operators and matatu owners on a benchmarking tour to Kigali, Rwanda. 

A section of Kenyans online raised questions over the plan, which was announced by County Government of Nairobi in April.

City Hall said the trip will help the small scale traders learn best practices and new ideas in business as well as how their counterparts in the landlocked country are able to maintain their city clean.

Former City Mayor Joe Akech, who heads the team under the banner "Friends of Nairobi County" said the group will leave Nairobi on June 23rd for the four-day tour.

“We have set the date to coincide with the Omuganda Day, cleaning day, in Rwanda which will be on June 25th. So we will leave here two days before to arrive at the country on June 24th” said Akech.

He said the final list of those who will be travelling to Kigali was being formulated.

“We do not have a budget as at now as we still have to plan for the logistics involved like getting travel permission and all the other things involved but we will communicate that as and when we get them,” he said.

Last month, City Inspectorate Director of Operations Peter Mbaya said Hawkers, Boda-boda and Matatu associations will each contribute 100 members to the list of those to be taken to the East African nation.

Two weeks ago, Governor Sonko held a meeting with the leaders of the three associations ahead of the trip to Rwanda.