Nominated Senator Crystal Asige on Tuesday led street vendors living with disabilities in a protest at the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) along Moi Avenue.
The vendors, aggrieved by the Nairobi County Government's move to classify them as hawkers, marched to Governor Johnson Sakaja's office at City Hall demanding justice and revision of current laws and regulations, which they argued discriminate against them.
During the protest, the vendors argued that being classified as hawkers has led to them being kicked out of Nairobi streets which they depend on to earn a living.
"I do not understand why a county government in the capital city would push people with disabilities to leave and stop doing their businesses... for trying to look a livelihood and for trying to empower themselves and families and children," Asige condemned Sakaja's regime.
Contacted by Kenyans.co.ke, the Nairobi County Government maintained it was unaware of any such protest.
“No I am not aware, of any demonstrations, am just learning from you now,” a senior County Government official stated.
This comes at a time when Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has banned hawking in specific parts of the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD).
While announcing the ban on October 25, Governor Johnson Sakaja stated the move was informed by the need to restore order and sanity in the city.
Business owners operating in the CBD had also, for years, complained about hawkers and vendors blocking access to their establishments.
The County Government banned hawking along the Tom Mboya section leading to Moi Avenue.
Part of the reason the government banned hawking in this section was to prevent hawkers from flocking CBD pavements and distracting commuter movement.
The ban came after a consultative meeting between inspectorate officers and representatives of hawkers.
The County Government has since begun enforcing the ban.
