In a remarkable move, Nairobi City Governor Johnson Sakaja has successfully restored order to the city’s streets, making them cleaner, safer, and more accessible for pedestrians.
The governor’s proactive stance saw the eviction of hawkers who had previously occupied and congested these streets.
City county officers, commonly referred to as “kanjus,” have been deployed across the city in plainclothes, ensuring strict enforcement of the order.
The streets are now a space where every pedestrian can walk with pride at their own pace, free from the inconvenience caused by street hawkers.
This transformation comes after the 2022 general elections when hawkers had reason to celebrate, gaining a significant presence on city streets.
Initially, many hawkers reported success in their businesses, but this led to a saturation of hawkers on the streets, causing congestion and inconvenience to the public.
Recent days have witnessed a cat-and-mouse game between “kanju” officers and hawkers as they attempt to reclaim their former spots.
Notably, Governor Sakaja showed compassion by providing Ksh. 10,000 to each smokie and eggs vendor whose equipment had been destroyed during a city operation.
This unexpected gesture reflects the governor’s commitment to the welfare of these vendors.Despite the cleanup, there are lingering questions about the future of these hawkers.
Governor Sakaja has promised to find suitable locations for them, but specifics regarding when and where these spaces will be available remain uncertain.
