Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has moved to ban business tents in the Central Business District (CBD). He explained that the decision was necessary to deal with rising congestion and disorder in the city.
Why the Ban Was Introduced
Speaking during a radio interview on Wednesday, September 17, Sakaja revealed that the tents, especially those used to sell mobile phones, had become a nuisance.
“Everyone had set up ten tents, some selling phones and other items, without any structure. I prohibited this behaviour and made it clear, even to Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, that there must be proper organisation,” he said.
He added that Nairobi, as the capital city, should not look like an open-air market. Instead, it must project the image of a modern capital that reflects the dignity of the country.
Impact on Businesses
Business tents became popular after COVID-19 as traders sought cheaper ways to operate. However, formal businesses in the CBD raised complaints about unfair competition. Some also warned that the tents posed potential security risks.
To ease the transition, the governor promised to create designated areas where such traders can operate in an organized way. He highlighted the walkways near the Nairobi National Archives as an example of how attractive the city can look without the tents.
Previous Crackdowns
This is not the first time Sakaja has acted against informal vending. Earlier this year, hawkers were barred from trading along major streets such as Moi Avenue, Ronald Ngala Street, Haile Selassie Avenue, and River Road. Instead, they were directed to backstreets like the link between Tom Mboya Street and Kirinyaga Road.
In addition, the county has intensified crackdowns on illegal billboards. The Nairobi Metropolitan Service (NMS) is also constructing new walkways and cycle lanes. This project, supported by Ksh8.7 billion funding from the United States, aims to improve city mobility and reduce congestion.
Looking Ahead
Sakaja insisted that the ban is not meant to punish traders. Rather, it seeks to restore order and enhance the city’s global image. He assured business owners that Nairobi will soon have designated zones where tents and small-scale trading can take place in a structured way.
