The Nairobi City County Government has announced new regulations governing hawking activities within the Central Business District (CBD).
In a public notice dated January 6, 2025, Acting County Secretary and Head of County Public Service, Godfrey Akumali, outlined measures to promote order and pedestrian safety.
According to the directive, hawking will now only be allowed on designated backstreets and lanes between 4:00 PM and 10:00 PM from Monday to Saturday. The approved zones for hawking activities include backstreets between Tom Mboya Street and Kirinyaga Road.
“No hawking will be allowed on the main streets and roads, i.e., Moi Avenue, Haile Selassie Avenue, Kenneth Matiba Road, Latema Road, Ronald Ngala Street, Mfangano Street, Hakati Road, and River Road,” the notice emphasized.
Additionally, walkways within the CBD have been reserved strictly for pedestrian use, with trading activities in these areas strictly prohibited.
The county government warned that individuals found violating the new regulations would face legal action. “The general public is asked to take note that anyone contravening this notice will be prosecuted within the Nairobi City County by-law,” the notice concluded.
This directive comes three months after Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja cautioned hawkers against operating on the newly constructed walkways within the CBD.
On September 4, 2024, during an inspection of ongoing footpath construction, Sakaja reiterated that the walkways were intended solely for pedestrians.
“Inspected ongoing works around the CBD while interacting with Wananchi, who provided a lot of wonderful feedback on the walkways improvement that’s ongoing on key roads. The new walkways are for pedestrians and not hawking. We will enforce this strictly,” Sakaja stated.
The latest regulations mark a significant step in the county government’s efforts to organize trade and maintain safety within the bustling city center.
