Nairobi CBD Transformation Begins

The Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) is already registering a change in character following the January 6 announcement banning hawking activities in certain areas of the capital.

The notice by Nairobi County Secretary Godfrey Akumali read: “No hawking will be allowed on the main streets and roads i.e. Moi Avenue, Haile Selassie Avenue, Kenneth Matiba Road, Latema Road, Ronald Ngala Street, Mfangano Street, Hakati Road and River Road.”

Pavements and main streets stretching for tens of kilometres – most of which had been turned into mini-markets by hawkers – are now 'open'.

A long stretch of pavements running parallel to Ronald Ngala street – to the point where it hugs Tom Mboya street – is largely deserted – with no hawkers to pull your hem.

It’s the same situation in Moi Avenue, Haile Selassie Avenue and other banned areas.

Recently renovated pavements have suddenly witnessed reduced human traffic, congestion and chaos.

One can almost see from one end of the street to the other without having to stretch their necks.

Meanwhile, the usual sounds of hawkers shouting themselves hoarse trying to attract shoppers have gone quiet.

All that is left is the competing tapping sounds of human footwear pounding the ground with a new sense of freedom.

Hawkers in the capital have, however, protested the move by City Hall to ban hawking on main streets in the Central Business District.

The hawkers' association recently vowed to march to City Hall to demonstrate against the directive, demanding the right to conduct business without restrictions.

"We have families to take care of and you can't expect us to leave while we have responsibilities," Dorcas Wairimu, a hawker in the CBD, noted.

The Nairobi business community have, however, welcomed the move by City Hall arguing that unregulated hawking was affecting their businesses.

As the debate continues, pedestrians are enjoying the new Nairobi. Many have noted that even the littering has reduced significantly.