In a decisive move to alleviate traffic congestion and address the long-standing concerns of city residents, Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja has issued a directive prohibiting hawking on the roads and sidewalks within the city centre, effective immediately.
The announcement came during a consultative meeting between Governor Sakaja, inspectorate officers responsible for the Central Business District (CBD), and hawkers' representatives. Speaking firmly on the matter, Governor Sakaja emphasized the importance of decongesting the city centre.
"There will be no hawking on the roads. In fact, I'm enforcing it from tomorrow morning, even around the bus station, I will not allow that," declared Governor Sakaja.
This decision stems from concerns raised by Nairobi's residents about the increasing presence of hawkers in the city centre during afternoon hours.
Residents have long raised their voices, expressing dissatisfaction with the challenges this posed to both traffic flow and pedestrian movement.
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Notably, the move comes in the wake of a recent crackdown on hawkers, which faced widespread criticism due to reported incidents of officers destroying hawker's merchandise.
Addressing the need for fairness in such operations, Governor Sakaja urged the County Askaris, commonly referred to as Kanjo Askaris, to operate uniformly.
He emphasized the importance of officers wearing their official uniform unless they are part of an operation conducted by a plainclothes team.
"On hawkers, we have to balance. There is someone who will complain about hawkers while he is wearing a suit from work to fend for his children but because he has had a little challenge accessing a matatu home, he will say these hawkers should not be there," Sakaja said.
"It's like looking down on someone else's work. Someone who has decided to earn an honest living instead of becoming a thief."
Governor Sakaja remained resolute in his stance, emphasizing that adherence to the law was paramount.
"Nairobi will be a city of order and dignity. There will be no hawking on roads, and that is not negotiable," the governor unequivocally declared.
In addition to improving the safety of hawkers and easing traffic congestion, Governor Sakaja highlighted the potential benefits to motorists and the creation of additional parking space.
He also revealed plans for a multi-billion project along Moi Avenue, a popular hawking area, aimed at decongesting the city.
"I want to make it clear that on Moi Avenue, there will be no hawking. We have a plan for that area, and investors have brought in money. I'm also looking out for the commuters of CBD who use that lane," said Sakaja.
The governor acknowledged the need for a balanced perspective, noting that some critics of hawking failed to appreciate the honest living it provides for many.
He urged understanding for those who choose to earn their livelihood as hawkers rather than resorting to illegal activities.
Furthermore, Governor Sakaja attributed the persistent hawker-related challenges in the city to the failure of previous administrations to provide designated market spaces for these individuals.
In a final directive, the Governor urged the Chief Officer in charge of Security, Anthony Kimani, to ensure that all enforcement officers adhere to the uniform standards.
He emphasized, "I don't want anyone operating without a uniform unless it is part of our operation by a plainclothes team."
Governor Sakaja's directive reflects a commitment to fostering a well-ordered, dignified urban environment and addressing the concerns of both residents and hawkers alike.
