
Nairobi is bracing for potential protests next week as hawkers prepare to take action against a new ban on their trading activities imposed by Governor Johnson Sakaja.
The governor’s directive, announced on January 6, prohibits hawking along walkways within the Central Business District (CBD), sparking outrage among street vendors.
Under the new regulations, hawkers are only permitted to operate from 4 PM to 10 PM, Monday through Friday, in designated areas stretching from Tom Mboya Street to Kirinyaga Road. However, many hawkers have rejected these limitations, asserting their right to conduct business freely.
The hawkers’ association has announced plans to march to City Hall in protest, demanding greater freedom to trade without restrictions. “We have families to support, and we simply want the opportunity to work, even if it means operating from basements,” said Dorcus Wairimu, a spokesperson for the traders. “We can organize ourselves to avoid obstructing roadways; we just want to be allowed to continue our trade.”
Hawkers argue that the ban could exacerbate the already high unemployment rates in the city, leaving them with few alternatives for earning a living.
In contrast, the Nairobi Business Community has expressed support for the governor’s decision, claiming that hawkers impede their operations. “The streets are overcrowded with hawkers, making it difficult for customers to navigate the CBD. Many are opting for deliveries instead, which harms our businesses while we still pay for licenses,” stated Stephen Wambiya, Chairperson of the Luthuli Business Community. He added, “We appreciate the governor’s action.”
Local business leaders acknowledge the importance of hawking but suggest that vendors should adhere to the governor’s guidelines and relocate to the specified areas. “We have no animosity towards the hawkers; we simply want a solution that allows both parties to coexist,” said Andrew Oswago, another businessman. “We urge the governor to designate a space specifically for hawkers to operate.”
To enforce the new regulations, Governor Sakaja conducted inspections of major streets on Friday, resulting in the visible absence of hawkers along key corridors such as Moi Avenue and in the Upper CBD.
As tensions rise, the outcome of the hawkers’ planned protests remains uncertain, with both sides seeking a resolution that balances the interests of street vendors and established businesses in Nairobi.