City Affairs

City Hall officers enforce Sakaja’s order on hawkers in CBD

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja inspecting the Nairobi CBD streets on October 27, 2023. (Photo: NCCG)

By City Correspondent | Friday, October 27, 2023

Governor Sakaja in a surprise move, took time from his schedule to inspect the exercise and was seen in some of the major streets including Moi Avenue and Tom Mboya.

Inspectorate Officers from City Hall have begun enforcing Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja's order on the crackdown against unruly hawkers in the CBD.

As early as 10 a.m. on Friday, the officers were seen roaming CBD streets, as the crackdown entered day two.

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Governor Sakaja in a surprise move, took time from his schedule to inspect the exercise and was seen in some of the major streets including Moi Avenue and Tom Mboya.

Hawkers who defied the directive had their wares confiscated by the city askaris as they effected the order across the CBD.

Pilot programme

A notice sent out on Friday by the County Secretary and Head of County Public Service said that the county government will conduct a 90-day pilot programme starting October 27, 2023.

In the programme, no trading will be allowed on any carriageway throughout the city.

During the three-month period, street vending will only be allowed beyond Tom Mboya Street downwards while the same from upper Tom Mboya upwards will be prohibited.

"All street vending activities shall commence strictly from 4 pm to 10 pm both on weekdays and weekends. Pop-up markets are allowed with prior authorization and upon payment of applicable rates, rent and fees on weekends," the notice signed by Acting County Secretary Patrick Analo read.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja interacts with a shop attendant at a shop in the Nairobi CBD on October 27, 2023. (Photo: NCCG)

As part of the programme, street vending business operations in the rehabilitated back lanes shall be done 24 hours daily by traders designated to those lanes through applicable procedures and with a daily cess fee.

"All traders shall ensure that their area of operation is clean and litter-free before and after business operations. The size of each slot will be 3 by 3 feet within clear and adequate space left along the street and in between pallets for pedestrian traffic," the notice read.

Sakaja on Wednesday ordered a crackdown on hawkers in the CBD in a bid to restore order in the nation's capital.

The governor spoke during a consultative meeting between City Hall's enforcement officers, hawkers and members of his executive.

Sakaja said he will be firm on the order to tame the hawkers who have taken over most of the main streets in the CBD preventing even residents from walking and cars from passing through.

He directed the enforcement officers to be firm in dealing with the hawkers to restore dignity in the city streets.