Chaos erupted in Westlands on Friday, January 17, 2025 after traders lit a bonfire on a street to protest the recent ban on hawking and the demolition of their kiosks by the Nairobi County Government.
The traders burnt tyres and placed stones across a section of the street, momentarily paralyzing activities within the area.
A video shared on social media on Friday, January 17, 2024, by a local radio station, shows smoke billowing as the tyres continued to burn, with traders throwing more stones onto the road.
The footage also captures bodaboda riders standing by—some attempting to navigate through the barricade while others observed the unfolding events.
Chaos intensifies
In another video shared by X user @ShiroCatherine, the chaos appeared to escalate as more traders gathered on the street.
According to her, the road was blocked by irate protesters at the corner of Church and Rhapta roads in the wealthy suburb.
She added that the protestors included mama mbogas whose kiosks had also been demolished.
In the background of the video, the women could be heard shouting “haki yetu” from a distance.
The women, however, are seen keeping away from a cloud of white smoke that resembled teargas but continued with their chants undeterred.
County issues ban
The uproar follows a directive issued by acting County Secretary Godfrey Akumali, barring hawking on key roads and main streets in the Central Business District (CBD).
“Hawking of merchandise will only be allowed on backstreets and lanes from Monday to Saturday, between 4 pm and 10 pm,” the notice read in part.
According to the new rules, hawkers can only trade in specific areas, such as backstreets connecting Tom Mboya Street to Kirinyaga Road.
However, major roads, including Haile Selassie Avenue, Kenneth Matiba Road, Latema Road, Ronald Ngala Street, Mfangano Street, Hakati Road, and River Road, are now off-limits.
The directive is aimed at reclaiming walkways for pedestrians and easing mobility in the bustling city.
“All walkways within the CBD are strictly for pedestrians and not for trading,” the notice emphasized.
Traders, however, are crying foul, arguing that backstreet lanes are unsuitable for business. They accuse the county government of sidelining their needs, leaving them with limited options for survival.
City Hall has warned of severe penalties for those who defy the ban, vowing to enforce the new regulations rigorously.
“The general public is advised that anyone contravening this notice will be prosecuted under the Nairobi City County bylaws,” the statement read.
