Sakaja Says Nairobi Will Manage Rather Than Eliminate Street Hawking

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has said street hawking cannot be completely eliminated from the capital, arguing that the county government's focus should instead be on managing informal trade while creating designated spaces where traders can operate.

Speaking during an interview with Radio Citizen on Wednesday, Sakaja said street trading provides an important source of livelihood for thousands of people and should therefore be addressed through organization rather than enforcement alone.

"Hawking and street business is something that will never end. It requires us to manage it because those people are also looking for a livelihood," Sakaja said.

County Designates Trading Areas

The governor said the county government has been engaging street traders to establish designated areas and operating hours for hawking.

He said the approach is intended to reduce congestion and prevent conflicts between traders, licensed businesses and county enforcement officers.

Sakaja argued that it would be unfair to disrupt businesses operating from licensed premises when unlicensed hawkers sell similar products directly outside their establishments.

The governor said Nairobi has established at least 20 markets as part of efforts to provide informal traders with alternative spaces and gradually reduce street hawking.

He blamed successive administrations for failing to provide sufficient trading spaces for informal businesses, saying his government was working to address the longstanding challenge.

Sakaja Dismisses Content Creator Charges

Sakaja also dismissed reports that Nairobi County had introduced charges targeting content creators who take photographs and videos in the city.

He clarified that the fees being discussed apply to large-scale local and international film productions rather than ordinary content creators.

"There is no way content creators will be charged in Nairobi when I am the governor," Sakaja said.

The governor added that the county is planning a photography festival where photographers will compete for an award recognizing the best image showcasing Nairobi.

Healthcare Improvements

Sakaja also highlighted developments in Nairobi's healthcare sector, citing improved maternal and neonatal services.

He said Pumwani Maternity Hospital recorded zero maternal deaths while handling more than 11,000 deliveries over the past year.

According to the governor, the facility had handled approximately 16,000 deliveries in the preceding year.

He also pointed to the expansion of neonatal services, saying Nairobi currently has 23 neonatal beds.

Sakaja further said Mathare North Hospital had carried out 65 Caesarean sections as part of the county's efforts to expand access to specialized maternal care.

The county has also deployed 50 dentists to every sub-county, according to Sakaja, as part of efforts to improve access to dental services.

Nairobi Prepares for Heavy Rains

On infrastructure, Sakaja said Nairobi was preparing for periods of heavy rainfall through a Sh2.4 billion drainage programme.

The programme is intended to improve the city's ability to manage stormwater and reduce the impact of flooding, including flooding associated with El Niño weather patterns.

Flooding remains a recurring challenge in Nairobi, particularly in areas affected by inadequate drainage and rapid urban development.

Push for Better Public Transport

Sakaja also described planned improvements to Nairobi's public transport system as a major development for the capital.

While supporting the development of a mass transit system, he said Nairobi ultimately needs an underground metro network to address the city's long-term transport challenges.

The governor's comments reflect a broader approach to urban management that seeks to combine enforcement with infrastructure and designated spaces for informal economic activity.

Rather than attempting to eradicate street hawking altogether, the county government says it wants to create a more organized environment in which traders can earn a living while reducing congestion and conflicts on Nairobi's streets.

The approach could mark a shift in how the county manages the capital's large informal economy, with greater emphasis on designated markets, regulation and access to services.