Nairobi County has began operations to drive hawkers and boda boda operators out of the CBD amid complaints about lost glory.
City Hall Director of Operations Peter Mbaya launched the crackdown on Thursday, following orders by regional commissioner Kang'ethe Thuku.
The exercise began at Ngara next to Equity Bank and the streets around Haile Selassie Avenue.
Mbaya noted the city has about 7,000 hawkers who must leave central business district.
"We are handling hawkers and boda boda operators. Law and order must be followed by everyone in this city," he said.
He added: "City officers have previously engaged in catch and run races with hawkers in the city centre, as they move from one street to the other, without success."
Hawkers are driven out of Ngara area in Nairobi on February 22, 2018. /MAUREEN KINYANJUI
On Wednesday, Thuku said the order that will be enforced by police and city askaris was aimed at curbing rising crime.
The commissioner noted the invasion by hawkers, boda boda riders and street families has resulted in more muggings, assaults and theft.
Asking hawkers to use designated areas such as Muthurwa market and sections of estates, he warned police will conduct a major crackdown.
There has been public outcry about the hawkers who have taken over key roundabouts and roads, worsening congestion and traffic jams.
Majority of them sell bottled water, toys, CDs, fruits, vegetables, second-hand clothes, jewellery and second-hand cutlery.
Read:
Governor Mike Sonko earlier announced reorganisation measures including restricting the traders to specific parts of the city.
Sonko said they will be required to register and pay an annual license fee of Sh2,000. The fee will be for services the county government will provide so they carry out their activities without harassment by county askaris.
The county will carpet all streets, install street lights and CCTV cameras, provide garbage bins and clean the streets everyday to ensure hawkers operate in a secure environment.
Also Read: