Inside Sakaja's Plan to Tame City Hawkers in Nairobi's CBD

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has implemented new regulations for hawkers in the Central Business District (CBD) effective from Friday.

Implemented as a trial for the next three months, these endeavours are intended to regulate hawkers' operations in the vicinity. One noteworthy alteration is that hawkers are licensed to peddle only after 4 p.m. Apart from that, the Governor has granted the set-up of pop-up markets in specified areas during weekends, but this comes at a cost. To establish these stands in locations like Kenyatta Avenue and Sunken Car Park, vendors must provide payment.

The CBD's hawking will be further governed by implementing a daily cess fee for those wishing to sell their items in the newly renovated back lanes, such as Turkana. These lanes, along with areas like Posta and Kirinyaga, will soon be painted and allocated among hawkers. Governor Sakaja has explicitly banned vendors from selling on roadways, emphasizing the importance of organized trade and protecting the interests of motorists, pedestrians, and formal business owners. All CBD traders are required to follow the stipulated conditions and regulations to comply with the program.

Before and after business operations, it is crucial to ensure that the operation area remains clean and free of litter. Sakaja stipulates that every space be 3 by 3 square feet, leaving enough room for comfortable pedestrian traffic. All vendors must work within the designated pavements and streets per the regulations. Disregarding this decree will result in harsh legal measures executed by the county government.

As early as 7 a.m., hawkers can be seen setting up along various streets, causing disruptions by blocking roads and pavements. Along Latema and River Road, hawkers remain stationed from mid-morning to evening, constantly on alert for enforcement officers. The ongoing struggle between the hawkers and enforcement officers continues along Ronald Ngala and Mfangano streets, resembling a cat-and-mouse game.

Furthermore, Tom Mboya Street has transformed into a hawking zone, with reports of theft, pickpocketing, and other criminal activities allegedly taking place. Despite these issues, there is still a significant number of people who choose to purchase from hawkers.