Matatu operators in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) have blocked major roads around the area in protest over hawkers occupying their spaces.
In videos and photos seen by Nairobileo.co.ke on Thursday, January 30, matatu operators barricaded the roads with their vehicles, making movement in the area difficult.
Some operators were spotted playing football in the Nairobi CBD after leaving their vehicles parked on various roads within the CBD.
Several police officers were deployed following the incident to bring order in the Nairobi CBD.
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Speaking to the media, one of the operators noted that they had not been given any notification from the Nairobi County government of the hawkers operating within their spaces.
"The problem is that when they (hawkers) were given the letter, us were not given a letter to be told to vacate the areas. That is why we are that business in the city should be at a standstill so that the governor can explain to us where we are supposed to go," the operator stated.
This comes after Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja banned hawking on the main streets and roads in Nairobi CBD.
In a public notice dated January 6, 2025, Acting County Secretary and Head of County Public Service Godfrey Akumali outlined new guidelines to ensure order and pedestrian safety within the CBD.
According to the notice, hawking will only be permitted on designated backstreets and lanes from Monday to Saturday between 4:00 PM and 10:00 PM.
"No hawking will be allowed on the main streets and roads, i.e., Moi Avenue, Haile Selassie Avenue, Kenneth Matiba Road, Latema Road, Ronald Ngala Street, Mfangano Street, Hakati Road, and River Road," read part of the notice.
