Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has ruled out completely banning street hawking in the capital, saying the informal trade provides an important source of income for thousands of residents.

Sakaja said the county government instead plans to regulate hawking by creating clear rules on where and when traders can operate.

Speaking on Wednesday, August 26, the governor explained that street trading cannot simply be eliminated because many people depend on it to earn a living. The focus, he said, should be on finding a way to manage the activity while keeping the city organised.

Under the proposed approach, hawkers will not be allowed to operate everywhere in Nairobi. The county government is expected to identify specific locations where street traders can conduct their businesses.

The traders will also be required to operate within designated time periods as the county seeks to balance their needs with those of pedestrians, motorists and formal businesses.

Sakaja also raised concerns about hawkers setting up directly outside shops selling similar products. He argued that this creates unfair competition for shop owners who pay rent, licences and other business costs.

The governor said the county must therefore find a balance that protects informal traders while also respecting formal businesses.

The latest position represents a change from an earlier plan to completely remove hawkers from Nairobi’s city centre. The county had previously announced plans to ban street hawking in the CBD as part of efforts to improve order and cleanliness.

Sakaja’s new approach is instead focused on regulation, designated trading areas and specific operating hours.

The county government is expected to provide further details on the areas and schedules that will apply to street traders as the new management plan is implemented.

The governor maintained that the goal is to create a more organised Nairobi without taking away the livelihoods of residents who depend on street businesses.