The Nairobi County government announced strict new regulations for informal street vendors operating in the city’s central business district under a 90-day pilot program beginning October 27.
The new rules outlined by acting county secretary Patrick Analo Akivanga ban all street vending on roads and restrict operations to designated areas and times.
“Strictly no trading is allowed on roads throughout the city,” the public notice states. “Street vending is ONLY allowed beyond Tom Mboya Street downwards.”
Vending activities can only take place from 4 p.m. onwards on weekdays and weekends. Designated areas include service lanes on Kenyatta Avenue between Koinange and Kimathi Streets and the Sunken Car Park.
Vendors in rehabilitated backlanes who receive permits can operate 24 hours with a daily market access fee. They will be “designated to those lanes through applicable procedures,” the notice says.
Pop-up weekend markets are allowed upon payment of fees at approved locations.
The regulations are aimed at creating “orderly fashion” for business and upholding “the dignity of all stakeholders” including motorists, pedestrians and formal shop owners, the notice states.
Thousands of informal traders across Nairobi depend on street vending to earn a living. The county government is mandated under Kenya’s constitution to regulate trade and public spaces.
“In providing this opportunity, the County is obligated to ensure that all business within the County is conducted in orderly fashion and in a manner that upholds the dignity of all stakeholders within the city,” the notice says.
Vendors must adhere to strict conditions like obeying laws, keeping areas litter-free, using approved pallets and obtaining food handling certificates. Cooking in undesignated zones is prohibited.
“The size of each slot is 3 by 3 feet within clear and adequate space left along the street and in between pallets for pedestrian traffic,” the notice stipulates.
Enforcement action will be taken against non-compliant vendors, Akivanga warned.
“Any trader who does not adhere to this protocol shall be subject to enforcement action by the County Government in line with applicable laws and regulations,” the notice states.
