Abide by law or face stern action, Eastleigh hawkers told

The Nairobi Environment Chief Officer for Environment, Geoffrey Mosiria has vowed to clean up Eastleigh from hawkers, who he said were operating with impunity and had turned the area into a chaotic place.

In a post on his social media handle, he accused hawkers of denying residents essential services and endangering lives, stressing that the illegal actions will no longer be tolerated. The hawkers, he said, were blocking roads and turning streets into open markets.

“Let it be clear, Nairobi will not be reduced to an ungovernable street market. We support small-scale traders, but support does not mean lawlessness. Earning a living must be done within the law, not by breaking it,” he said on the X platform.

“Even worse, these hawkers have blocked drainage systems with garbage and littered the entire area, creating a public health hazard. Such behavior is irresponsible, dangerous, and criminal,” he added.

He affirmed that the county government supports Nairobi residents seeking ways to make a living, stating that the county government has provided designated spaces for hawkers to carry out their business activities.

Mosoiria said the County government will take measures to restore order in Eastleigh and other areas in Nairobi, warning that action will be taken against those flouting county regulations and endangering public health.

“Those who persist in this illegality should be ready to face firm enforcement measures. Nairobi is a city of order and progress not chaos and impunity,” he said.

The Chief Office pledged that the county administration will not relent on its efforts to restore order and cleanliness to the commercial hub.

According to official regulations, hawkers in Eastleigh are permitted to operate only after 5 p.m. The morning hours are reserved for shop owners and mall businesses.