Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, on Thursday, February 24, convened a crisis meeting with Nairobi traders, culminating in the decision to call off planned demonstrations.
The traders, most of whom run shops in downtown Nairobi and Gikomba Market, had threatened to hold demonstrations to protest against the challenges they face in their businesses.
However, the DP intervened and assured them of his support and commitment towards addressing their plight.
In addition, he planned a meeting scheduled to take place on Wednesday, March 1, where the traders and a team drawn from key government agencies will seek long lasting solutions.
According to him- the Kenya Kwanza Government was ready to listen to the grievances and solve them amicably in the spirit of the "bottom-up" agenda advanced during the coalition's campaigns.
“This evening, at Harambee House Annex, I have hosted representatives of small traders from Nyamakima, Kamukunji, Gikomba, and River Road for discussions on addressing challenges in their businesses in the Capital City," Gachagua noted in a statement.
"We have agreed to have further consultations with more members on Wednesday, March 1, next week towards sustainable solutions to the issues affecting these small-scale traders- who are on the lower side of the pyramid- real Hustlers," he added.
The meeting came on the backdrop of challenges facing the traders- more so in Gikomba Market, where traders have had to cope with frequent fires which leave them struggling to remain afloat.
Mysterious fires have ravaged the market almost every since 2015- leaving traders counting losses estimated to be worth millions of shillings from their burnt wares and stalls.
In addition, Nairobi Central Business District traders were at loggerheads with Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja over a proposal to kick out public service vehicles from the city's periphery.
The Governor also initiated reorganising the CBD, which would see traders resettled from their usual areas of operation.
However, DP opposed the move arguing that it would cripple the economy of most small-scale traders whose businesses anchor on the matatu industry.
Addressing a gathering in Murang'a County on Thursday, February 23, the DP affirmed that he would not relent in efforts to protect the interests of traders and businesses in Nairobi.
