Motorists and commuters were on Thursday left stranded in a traffic gridlock for many hours as they attempted to make their way into and out of the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD).

The crazy snarl up was occasioned by matatu operators who blocked roads leading into the CBD from Globe Roundabout protesting Nairobi County government's recent relocation of hawkers.

The matatu operators, who abandoned their matatus on the streets and some even played football on the CBD roads, lament the relocated hawkers have taken over their matatu stages.

The protest actions by the PSV operators affected normal traffic flow on Moi Avenue, Kipande Road and Tom Mboya Street resulting in a heavy traffic buildup in adjoining and adjacent roads.

Many commuters were forced to alight and walk into the CBD and those heading outward forced to walk up to Ngara to catch a matatu even as police attempts to deal with the crisis proved futile.

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There was tension on the affected streets as the matatu crews chased away hawkers and landed on their stalls vandalising them and accusing them of interfering with their stages and operating streets. 

In a notice issued on January 6, 2025, Acting Nairobi County Secretary and Head Of County Public Service Godfrey Akumali ordered hawkers to restrict their businesses to backstreets.

Nairobi City County Government then vowed to arrest and take legal action against any hawker who would be found defying the notice designating them roads to sell their wares.

“Nairobi City County Government hereby gives notice to all hawkers in the Central Business District that hawking of merchandise will only be allowed on backstreets and lanes; Monday to Saturday from 4pm to 10pm,” said Akumali in the notice.

He went on to clarify: “The designated backstreets are within the zone from Tom Mboya Street to Kirinyaga Road.”

The county boss indicated that no hawker will be permitted to sell their wares on the main streets and roads within the Nairobi CBD during the stipulated days of the week and time.