Hawkers evicted from Eastleigh's Yusuf Haji Avenue, clearing traffic and walkways
The enforcement of the rules over the past three days has resulted in a significant reduction in traffic congestion along the avenue.
For the third consecutive day, hawkers have been stopped from operating along Yusuf Haji Avenue in Eastleigh during morning hours.
Nairobi City County askaris, commonly known as Kanjos, have enforced the directive, ensuring no unauthorised business activity takes place on the road.
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Over the past few weeks, hawkers, some reportedly from Nairobi's Central Business District, have been setting up stalls illegally on the avenue during the morning hours.
This has led to congestion, blocking access to shops and making movement difficult for pedestrians and vehicles.
According to official regulations, hawkers in Eastleigh are permitted to operate only after 5 p.m. The morning hours are reserved for shop owners and mall businesses.
The enforcement of these rules over the past three days has resulted in a significant reduction in traffic congestion along the avenue.
Support from business owners
The Eastleigh Business District Association (EBDA) has welcomed the decision, stating that it aligns with Nairobi County's policies.
EBDA Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Adan said the enforcement was necessary to maintain order and improve traffic flow in the area.
"We support the Nairobi City County in this initiative. Hawkers were creating a lot of traffic while others were risking their lives by operating on the road," he said while speaking to The Eastleigh Voice.
Several shopkeepers have also expressed support for the move. Mursal Hassan, who sells men's clothing at Yare Towers, said the removal of hawkers had made it easier for shoppers to access his store.
"Shoppers can now come to my shop. I thank those who removed the hawkers for the good job," he said.
Yare towers pavements on Yusuf Haji Avenue was free from the usual busy hawkers activities on January 30, 2025. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)
Ibrahim Muse, who operates at Eastleigh Social Hall, said the eviction had solved a long-standing problem of waste accumulation.
"No more plastic bags in front of my shop. The hawkers were a problem to most of us here," he said.
Business owners have argued that hawkers block access to their shops and do not contribute to Nairobi County's revenue. Instead, they allegedly make informal payments of Sh500 per week to city askaris to continue operating illegally.
The removal of hawkers has created more space for pedestrians and vehicles. Previously, large portions of the pavements were occupied by vendors, forcing people to walk on the road.
One commuter noted that walking along the avenue was now easier compared to when hawkers were present.
"I can finally move freely without bumping into stalls or goods on the pavement," he said.
Hawkers' concerns
Some hawkers believe the crackdown is driven by mall owners who want them to rent shops instead of selling on the streets. Others claim they are being pushed out to clear space for larger businesses.
However, religious leaders have also weighed in on the issue. Sheikh Mohamed Abdi Umal, the imam of Eastleigh's largest mosque, has previously stated that conducting business on roads and blocking pedestrian movement is against Islamic teachings.
Although hawkers are still allowed to operate from 5 p.m., Nairobi County officials have indicated that this may change. In the long term, hawkers will be moved to backstreet areas to ensure free movement along Yusuf Haji Avenue at all times.
Last week, reports emerged that hawkers evicted from Nairobi's CBD had moved to Eastleigh, raising concerns about increased congestion.
The county government has not yet clarified whether further restrictions will be implemented.
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