Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko Orders Nation Media Group to Apologise

Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has ordered the Daily Nation newspaper to apologise for publishing a misleading story on hawkers operating within the Central Business District.

In a statement, Mr Sonko dismissed the report indicating that hawkers will from now on operate within Nairobi City center from 2pm.

"Governor Sonko wishes to notify the residents of Nairobi county that the article on Daily Nation page 11 on hawkers time in the city has not been officially declared," part of the letter read.

"Nation Media should apologize and withdraw the information misleading the people of Nairobi," he stated.

[caption caption="Governor Sonko in his office"][/caption]

He further clarified that the negotiations regarding the new rules of operation were still ongoing.

Sonko made it clear that the time for the hawkers would remain unchanged, which is after the closure of businesses and official work.

In their Publication dated 10th September, the newspaper indicated that "to ensure a harmonious relationship between the county government and the hawkers, there will be no hawking in front of shops before 2 pm, no hawking on both sides of the road."

Part of the news article also indicated that hawkers would be required to pay license fees of Sh2,000 every year.

Another issue highlighted in the story is that only hawkers from Nairobi would be registered with voters card used for identification to lock out non-Nairobi residents.

According to the publication, the new rules issued by the Governor would start immediately with a one month grace period to enforce the regulations.

[caption caption="Governor Sonko outside the County headquarters"][/caption]