Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko on Wednesday announced that the county had identified a new permanent location for hawkers who have invaded the Central Business District (CBD).
All hawkers are expected to be relocated to Mwariro Market in Kariokor, a fulfillment of Sonko's plan to look for an alternative place for small-scale traders to sell their wares.
Residents of Nairobi have constantly complained that the CBD is a mess due to the presence of hawkers everywhere and have been pleading with Sonko to address the situation.
[caption caption="Hawkers"]
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“My administration has a comprehensive plan to ensure hawkers’ interests are taken care of.
"As a long-term measure, my administration has identified Mwariro Market to be transformed into a hawkers’ market,” stated Sonko on Wednesday.
He also mentioned that plans were underway to acquire the Kenya Planters Cooperative Union (KPCU) building located along Haile Selassie Avenue and transform it into a hawkers’ market.
Sonko added that the relocation process would be humane, noting that his administration would ensure a progressive relocation of the hawkers to the designated streets.
“I have been in office for only two months and had to put things in order first. Kazi tutachapa (we will deliver).
“Nairobians must know that the relocation of hawkers from the CBD has been politicized by those seeking mileage and political relevance to the disadvantage of the hawkers who are taxpayers like any other Kenyan,” remarked the governor.
Sonko praised hawking as an activity that provides employment for many and emphasized that their relocation would be handled with soberness.
[caption caption="Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko"]
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