Sakaja Limits CBD Trading For Hawkers
Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja has announced a ban on hawking on Central Business District (CBD) pavements, sparking a potential showdown with hawkers.
Sakaja made the announcement during a meeting with hawkers at Charter Hall, saying the move is aimed at restoring dignity in Nairobi.
“There will be no hawking on the streets,” Sakaja said. “I am enforcing from Thursday even along the Bus station. I will not allow it.”
The governor said the ban would free up space on pavements for city residents to park their vehicles.
Sakaja also directed enforcement officers to enforce the ban fairly and without taking sides. He also ordered them to wear uniforms at all times while on duty.
The meeting was prompted by a recent incident in which a woman named Gloria Ntazola went viral for taking a Kanjo Askari (county enforcement officer) for a “ride to nowhere” after he allegedly entered her car without consent.
The Nairobi City County Inspectorate Act, 2017 outlines the mandate of the Kanjo Askari, including the do’s and don’ts.
Inspectorate officers in Nairobi are responsible for carrying out inspections to ensure that businesses and individuals comply with the county government’s standards and regulations. They also regulate and control traffic on county roads and maintain order in public places.
“The officers are supposed to regulate and control traffic on county roads and keep order and prevent obstructions in county public places,” the act reads.
