Nairobi County has issued a strong warning to both hawkers and shoppers — if you’re caught buying items from a hawker operating in an illegal spot, you could be arrested. This latest crackdown is part of a broader effort by the county government to clean up the city and restore order in public spaces.
Geoffrey Mosiria, the Nairobi County Chief Officer for Environment, announced that this fresh operation will target not just the hawkers but also the customers supporting them. He stated that both parties are now considered to be promoting illegal activity if they transact in areas not approved by the county.
“We are stepping up enforcement efforts to ensure compliance. Going forward, we will not only target hawkers operating in undesignated areas but also individuals buying from them, as they are aiding and abetting this illegality,” said Mosiria during a press briefing.
He emphasized that Nairobi residents must stop encouraging hawkers who block pedestrian paths and ignore designated vending zones.
According to Mosiria, although the county has provided specific back lane areas for hawkers to conduct their business legally, many have continued to crowd sidewalks, road junctions, and footbridges — putting public safety at risk and contributing to urban chaos.
The crackdown also addresses environmental concerns. The county recently implemented new regulations on June 19 that target beverage vendors who sell tea and coffee in disposable containers but fail to provide waste bins.
Mosiria noted that discarded cups and bags are contributing heavily to clogged drainage systems, which in turn cause flooding during heavy rains.
He added that certain hawkers resort to emotional appeals — such as claiming poverty or performing dramatic acts — to avoid being removed from illegal vending spots, which makes enforcement even more difficult. However, he insisted that this behavior will no longer be tolerated.
As part of the enforcement plan, Mosiria has directed hawkers to immediately vacate key city streets like Moi Avenue, River Road, Latema Road, and Haile Selassie Avenue. Instead, they are urged to relocate to designated backstreets where they can operate within the law without facing arrest or losing their goods.
Nairobi County says it is determined to reclaim public walkways, enhance cleanliness, and uphold safety standards. Residents and hawkers alike are being warned: obey the new rules or risk serious consequences.
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