Eastleigh traders accuse City Hall of inaction as unlicensed hawkers flood streets despite ban
The hawkers, selling a variety of goods, could be seen blocking parts of Mohamed Yusuf Haji Avenue and even obstructing entrances to several malls, disrupting normal access for shoppers and tenants.
Hawkers returned to Eastleigh’s main streets on Monday morning, operating as early as 9 am along Mohamed Yusuf Haji Avenue and other busy roads—just two days after mall managers and business owners had raised concerns about their comeback.
The hawkers, selling a variety of goods, were seen blocking parts of Mohamed Yusuf Haji Avenue and even obstructing entrances to several malls, disrupting normal access for shoppers and tenants.
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Their activities went on despite the presence of city county enforcement officers, known as kanjos. The officers did not disperse or stop them, leaving traders questioning why the hawkers seemed unbothered by their presence.
According to current rules, hawkers on Mohamed Yusuf Haji Avenue are only permitted to operate legally from 5 pm onwards. Yet in recent days, many have been setting up stalls and selling goods from morning hours, fuelling frustration among Eastleigh business owners who say their complaints to Nairobi City County have gone unanswered.
Business owners argue hawkers enjoy an unfair advantage by avoiding taxes and licenses, unlike mall-based enterprises that must comply with both. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)
On Saturday, mall managers and business owners formally wrote to the county government, calling for urgent action against the hawkers’ return. The letter, seen by The Eastleigh Voice, stated that hawkers had resumed operations outside agreed-upon times and were interfering with trade in many malls.
The letter also reminded county officials that hawking is only permitted in designated areas and within specified hours, and that hawkers must not block entrances or obstruct 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,” part of the letter read.
The managers and business owners further cited the Nairobi City County Outdoor Advertising and Public Spaces Management Regulations, which oblige the county to ensure streets and access points remain clear of illegal occupation.
“We, therefore, urge the county government to stand firm on the earlier resolution and deal decisively with this issue in order to safeguard lawful business operations, public order, and the rights of compliant traders,” the letter added.
For years, Eastleigh has battled the challenge of unregulated hawking. Traders argue that hawkers not only block mall entrances but also clog streets, hampering movement for both pedestrians and motorists.
Eastleigh traders have urged City Hall to stand firm on its earlier resolution and deal decisively with hawkers to safeguard lawful business operations. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)
Business owners also contend that hawkers create unfair competition since they avoid taxes and licenses, while mall-based enterprises are obliged to meet both.
Several traders allege that hawkers continue to operate openly because some county askaris collect informal fees of up to 500 shillings weekly from them. This arrangement, they claim, enables hawkers to return to Eastleigh’s main streets despite repeated crackdowns and complaints.
The hawkers’ renewed presence has once again turned attention to the enforcement of trade laws in Nairobi. Eastleigh’s business community insists that swift action is needed to restore order and protect licensed businesses that are meeting their legal obligations.
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