Tough times for Nairobi hawkers as city county enforces new street trade restrictions
Downtown Nairobi is so disorderly that one might accidentally step on a hawker’s goods spread across the sidewalks—or even on a child who has slipped from their mother’s grasp.
Walking through the streets of Nairobi in the afternoon or evening can be an overwhelming experience. Not because the walkways are poorly maintained or lack lighting, but because of the sheer number of people trying to earn a living.
Downtown Nairobi is so disorderly that one might accidentally step on a hawker’s goods spread across the sidewalks—or even on a child who has slipped from their mother’s grasp.
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The Eastleigh Voice toured the city to check whether a recent ban imposed by Governor Johnson Sakaja on street hawking is being enforced.
Along Moi Avenue, Eric Okoth was busy shining shoes while keeping a wary eye out for county enforcement officers.
"It's tough surviving as a hawker in Nairobi because nobody wants us. You can be forced to run anytime for fear of getting arrested," said Okoth.
Okoth is among the many hawkers who were displaced late last year when the Sakaja administration launched efforts to restore order in the city.
"We thought we could be settled somewhere where we could sell and do business, but we were left stranded. Now we have no alternative but to come back to the streets despite the risk," he admitted.
Hawkers’ wares displayed along Ronald Ngala Street. Many hawkers criticised the Sakaja administration, saying it lacks a solid plan to address the hawking issue. (Photo: Barack Oduor)
Pedestrians struggle
On Ronald Ngala Street, pedestrians struggle to make their way through congested walkways where goods like second-hand clothes and plastic items are scattered.
Mary Njoki, who has been hawking since 1993, shared her story. Her crutches and limited mobility tell a silent tale of pain and resilience.
Seated along a walkway leading to Race Course Road, Njoki explained the daily challenges hawkers face.
"The city inspectorate officers are brutal. Apart from physical assault, you may easily lose all your wares because they quickly confiscate everything," said Njoki.
Many hawkers criticised the Sakaja administration, saying it lacks a solid plan to address the hawking issue. They described the county’s efforts to push them out of the Central Business District as reactionary and unnecessary.
Last month, the county government reaffirmed its tough stance on hawkers occupying city streets.
Pedestrians navigate crowded walkways on Ronald Ngala Street, where second-hand clothes and plastic items are spread across the paths. (Photo: Barack Oduor)
Backstreets and lanes
In a notice issued by Acting County Secretary Godfrey Akumali, hawkers were barred from operating on major roads and instructed to restrict their activities to backstreets and lanes.
"Hawking of merchandise will only be allowed on backstreets and lanes from Monday to Saturday, between 4 pm and 10 pm," the notice stated.
Hawkers are now permitted to operate only in designated backstreets connecting Tom Mboya Street to Kirinyaga Road.
Selling is strictly prohibited on key roads, including Haile Selassie Avenue, Kenneth Matiba Road, Latema Road, Ronald Ngala Street, Mfangano Street, Hakati Road, and River Road.
"All walkways within the CBD are strictly for pedestrians and not for trading," the county stated.
The county says the ban is intended to widen walkways for pedestrians and improve mobility within the city. It also warned that enforcement would be strict.
"The general public is advised that anyone contravening this notice will be prosecuted under the Nairobi City County bylaws."
As part of this directive, hawkers in Nairobi County have been relegated to the backstreets of the Central Business District. In the order issued on January 6, 2025, the county confirmed that hawking in designated areas would be allowed only from Monday to Saturday, between 4 pm and 10 pm. These designated backstreets are within the zone between Tom Mboya Street and Kirinyaga Road.
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