Nairobi residents have been warned that they face arrest if found purchasing goods from hawkers operating outside designated zones. The Nairobi County government, through Chief Officer for Environment Geoffrey Mosiria, issued the stern caution as it moves to tighten enforcement on street vending regulations in the central business district.
Mosiria noted that despite the county allocating designated backstreets for hawkers, many continue to encroach on pedestrian walkways and major streets, creating congestion and obstructing public movement. “We are stepping up enforcement efforts to ensure compliance. Going forward, enforcement will not only target hawkers operating in undesignated areas but also individuals buying from them, as they are aiding and abetting this illegality,” Mosiria stated on X (formerly Twitter).
The clampdown is part of a broader plan to restore order in the capital’s bustling city center. In January 2025, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja directed hawkers to operate strictly within backlanes stretching from Tom Mboya Street to Kirinyaga Road. The directive also set specific hours of operation for the traders from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
The move followed a motion passed by the Nairobi County Assembly, requiring the county executive to provide designated vending spaces that would allow hawkers to earn a living without interfering with traffic flow or pedestrian safety.
Key roads where hawking has been banned include Moi Avenue, Haile Selassie Avenue, Kenneth Matiba Road, Latema Road, Ronald Ngala Street, Mfangano Street, Hakati Road, and River Road.
While the directive aims to balance the need for economic livelihoods with urban order, it has raised concerns among both hawkers and customers. Traders argue that backlanes have less foot traffic, affecting their sales, while residents fear the arrest threat may create unnecessary tension.
As the county intensifies its enforcement efforts, it remains to be seen how effectively the policy will be implemented and whether it will lead to a more orderly city or ignite further disputes over public space usage in Nairobi’s vibrant commercial heart.
