Traffic chaos in Nairobi CBD resolved after meeting between matatu operators, hawkers
The protest was sparked by a decision made by the county government to move hawkers to the backstreets, displacing the matatus that rely on the main termini for passenger pick-up and drop-off.
A standoff between matatu operators and hawkers that disrupted traffic in Nairobi’s central business district has been resolved following a key meeting with Nairobi County officials.
The talks, aimed at easing tensions between the two groups, led to an agreement on how to peacefully coexist.
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The stand-off began early on Thursday morning after matatu operators blocked major roads in protest against the county’s decision to allocate their parking spaces to hawkers.
The disruption caused severe traffic congestion, with frustrated passengers scrambling for alternative transport or waiting for hours to continue their journey.
The protest was sparked by a decision made by the county government to move hawkers to the backstreets, displacing the matatus that rely on the main termini for passenger pick-up and drop-off.
Operators from various matatu sacco groups, including KMO, Zuri, and MSL, led the demonstrations, blocking key roads in the capital.
One matatu driver said they had no choice but to take action.
“We’ve been here since this morning. We won’t move until the county government listens to us,” the driver said.
However, the standoff was successfully resolved following a meeting led by Michael Waikenda, the Chief Officer of Mobility.
The meeting brought together representatives from both matatu operators and hawkers to address the ongoing tensions. Waikenda noted that the discussions resulted in a commitment from both sides to work together for the betterment of the city.
“We have agreed with representatives from both sides to co-exist. Relocating hawkers to the backstreets does not mean matatus should vacate. Both parties must collaborate to ensure order for the betterment of the city,” Waikenda explained.
Gachanja, Chairman of the Hawker Association, confirmed the cooperation between the two groups.
“We have committed, together with the county representatives and matatu operators, to ensure order and cleanliness in our assigned areas,” he said.
Ban remains in place
The County Government, however, maintained that the ban on hawking along pedestrian walkways remains in place.
Nairobi County Secretary, Godfrey Akumali, clarified that the directive issued on January 6 was not intended to displace hawkers but rather to promote organisation in the city.
“Hawkers should not occupy spaces meant for matatus, just as matatus should not block pedestrian paths. Both sectors are interdependent, and it is in their mutual interest to follow the county’s regulations,” Akumali said.
He also stressed the importance of cleanliness, urging both hawkers and matatu operators to maintain hygiene in their respective spaces.
“We must ensure cleanliness in all areas,” Akumali added, highlighting the city’s ongoing cleaning efforts led by Governor Sakaja and supported by 3,500 Green Army personnel.
The efforts occur every Sunday, with three shifts—morning, afternoon, and evening—on other days to maintain cleanliness across Nairobi.
The county government has reaffirmed that the ban on hawking along pedestrian walkways remains in effect.
However, it noted that the resolution of the standoff signals a move towards greater collaboration between the two groups for a cleaner and more organised city.
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