Eastleigh mall owners protest return of hawkers, call for county action
Eastleigh has long grappled with the challenge of unregulated hawkers who often set up stalls outside major malls, blocking both entrances and nearby streets.
Mall managers and business owners in Eastleigh have raised concerns over the return of hawkers to the busy commercial hub and are calling on the Nairobi City County Government to take immediate action.
In a letter addressed to the county and seen by the Eastleigh Voice, the managers expressed frustration over the resurgence of hawking activities, stating that hawkers are now operating outside the agreed hours and have begun interfering with business operations in most malls.
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The letter emphasises that hawking should only be permitted in designated areas and during specific hours, and should not obstruct the entrances of established businesses.
“We respectfully remind the County Government that under the Nairobi City County Trade Licensing Act, 2019, no person shall carry on trade or hawking without a valid license and in designated areas only. Further, the Public Nuisance Act (Cap 114) prohibits obstruction of access ways and business premises,” the letter reads in part.
The managers further noted that the Public Nuisance Act strictly prohibits obstruction in public spaces, while the Nairobi City County Outdoor Advertising and Public Spaces Management Regulations mandate the county government to ensure streets and access points remain free from illegal occupation.
“We therefore urge the County Government to stand firm on the earlier resolution and deal decisively with this issue to safeguard lawful business operations, public order, and the rights of compliant traders,” the letter added.
Eastleigh has long grappled with the challenge of unregulated hawkers who often set up stalls outside major malls, blocking both entrances and nearby streets. Business owners say the situation has created significant difficulties for pedestrians and motorists navigating the area, which is one of Nairobi’s busiest commercial neighbourhoods.
Beyond accessibility concerns, traders inside malls argue that hawkers create unfair competition. Unlike registered businesses that pay both taxes and licensing fees, hawkers operate without similar obligations. This, they say, undercuts legitimate businesses that bear the cost of compliance.
According to some business owners, hawkers also benefit from informal arrangements with county enforcement officers. It is alleged that certain askaris collect up to Sh500 per week from individual hawkers, which enables them to operate freely along the streets despite the regulations.
Official county regulations stipulate that hawkers in Eastleigh are only permitted to trade from 5 pm onwards. However, over the past several days, many hawkers have been seen operating as early as 9 am, in direct violation of the agreed time limits.
The return of hawkers has sparked renewed tension between formal business operators and informal traders in the area. While business owners demand stricter enforcement of the law, hawkers have in the past defended their presence, arguing that Eastleigh provides them with access to large numbers of customers and that hawking is their only source of livelihood.
The letter from mall managers now places pressure on Nairobi City County to address the matter urgently. As of now, the county government has not issued an official response to the concerns raised by Eastleigh’s business community.
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