Nairobi County Environment and Public Health Chief Officer Geoffrey Mosiria has warned that Kenyans who buy goods from hawkers operating in undesignated areas within Nairobi CBD will henceforth be arrested and prosecuted.
In a statement on Thursday, July 24, Mosiria announced that action against hawking in undesignated areas will no longer target hawkers alone.
The Nairobi County official stated that Kenyans who buy from hawkers operating in undesignated areas will be treated as law offenders, as they are actively encouraging and sustaining illegal activity.
“Enforcement will no longer be limited to the hawkers alone. Those who knowingly purchase goods from hawkers operating in prohibited areas will also be treated as law offenders, as they are actively encouraging and sustaining illegal activity.
“Just as selling in undesignated areas is unlawful, so too is knowingly supporting that illegality. This principle is not unique to our city or Kenya,” he stated.
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Morisia claimed that hawking in undesignated areas has increasingly contributed to illegal dumping, blocked walkways, and compromised the aesthetic and functional order of our city.
He also mentioned that some hawkers intentionally create public scenes to attract sympathy whenever enforcement officers advise them to move to designated trading areas.
According to Morisia, globally, jurisdictions such as Singapore and Rwanda have taken firm action against illegal vendors and their enablers, including customers.
He also pointed out that the Nairobi City County Public Nuisance Act provides for the prosecution of individuals who abet unlawful practices, including trading in unauthorized spaces.
“Therefore, as part of our renewed commitment to restore order, cleanliness, and dignity to our city, the county government will begin arresting and prosecuting both hawkers who operate illegally and customers who support them in defiance of city regulations,” Mosiria stated.
Further, he defended the action, saying it is necessary to safeguard public order and ensure that the rights of all city dwellers are respected.
