Sakaja Takes Action on Nairobi Hawkers, Begins Relocating Them to Specific Areas [LIST]

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja responded to hawkers’ invasion of Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) and offered them new alternatives.

According to a report by Nairobi County dated Wednesday, February 22, Sakaja unveiled plans to transfer the hawkers from Nairobi CBD to restore order.

Instead, the Governor revealed that all the informal traders will be relocated to backstreets outside Nairobi CBD.

“Nairobi City County Government has initiated the process of relocating informal traders operating within the Central Business District to the backstreet lanes,” the report read in part.

Hawkers spotted in Nairobi CBD

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Among areas designated for hawkers include lanes in Dubois, Sotik, Turkana, Posta, and kirinyaga lane.

The county further revealed plans to erect shades connected with electricity and other amenities to improve hawkers’ business conditions.

“The 10 prototype lanes will have sheds erected and electricity installed to improve the working conditions of the traders,” the county added.

To fast-track the relocation exercise, Nairobi county officials inspected Turkana Lane near Bus Station, which is currently undergoing painting works.

Sakaja’s response followed concerns by a section of city residents who lamented over blocked footpaths and pavements invaded by hawkers.

National Archives, initially reserved for people waiting to commute, was the most affected, attracting many informal traders.

A day before the new rollout, Sakaja ordered traders operating along Kangundo Road to occupy the Ksh800 million Wakulima Market or face dire consequences. 

“This is to bring to your attention that the Nairobi City County government, in partnership with African Development Bank, spent colossal amounts of money constructing the market with the aim of providing trading spaces to Nairobians.

“The market is complete and ready for occupation. As you are aware, the balloting, resettlement and allocation were competitively done, and you have refused to take occupation of your stall despite our appeals to you.

“Take note that if you fail to occupy your stall within 72 hours of this notice, the county government will assume you have forfeited the stall,” the notice read in part. 

It was part of the projects launched in the city to give traders modern stalls and also enable the county raise revenue.

Turkana Lane near Bus Station undergoing paint works before being assigned to hawkers.

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Nairobi County