Nairobi City County has issued a stern warning to Kenyans who buy goods from hawkers operating in undesignated areas, stating that they will face arrest and prosecution alongside the vendors.
In a statement released on Thursday, July 24, 2025, Environment and Public Health Chief Officer Geoffrey Mosiria said the county was stepping up enforcement of public order laws to curb illegal street vending and restore sanity in the city.
“To address this challenge effectively, enforcement will no longer be limited to the hawkers alone. Those who knowingly purchase goods from hawkers operating in prohibited areas will also be treated as law offenders,” Mosiria stated.
People buying from illegal hawkers to be arrested
He added that buying from illegal vendors encourages and sustains the unlawful use of public spaces, which contributes to environmental degradation, blocked walkways, and a compromised urban layout.
“Just as selling in undesignated areas is unlawful, so too is knowingly supporting that illegality. Under Kenyan law, aiding, abetting, or encouraging the commission of an offence, whether directly or indirectly, is itself an offence,” Mosiria said.
The directive is backed by the Nairobi City County Public Nuisance Act and other local statutes, which provide for the arrest and prosecution of individuals who abet illegal activities in public spaces.
Mosiria pointed to examples from other jurisdictions such as Singapore and Rwanda, where strict enforcement measures are applied not only to unauthorised vendors but also to customers who fuel their operations.
Nairobi hawkers causing chaos during enforcement
While the county acknowledged the importance of livelihoods for hawkers, it maintained that trading must take place within designated areas only.
He further observed that some hawkers have developed a habit of creating public drama during enforcement exercises to gain sympathy, a tactic he described as misleading and disruptive.
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“These actions, although emotionally charged, do not change the legal position. Operating in undesignated spaces remains a violation of county by-laws,” he said.
The Nairobi County government committed to taking firm action to restore public order, adding that designated vending zones remain available for use by informal traders.
Mosiria urged all residents to comply with the law and support efforts to create a clean, organised, and law-abiding city.
Dumping of litter and stealing bins
Additionally, Mosiria confirmed that Nairobi County had begun installing new litter bins across the Central Business District to promote proper waste disposal.
He issued a strong warning to residents, stating that dumping garbage or stealing bins would now attract firm legal action.
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Dump garbage or steal litter bins at your own risk! We are continuing with the installation of litter bins across the city,” Mosiria stated.
“Anyone found dumping garbage or littering in public spaces will face arrest and prosecution. This enforcement takes effect immediately,” he added.
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So how will the working-class access affordable clothes and produce from 5:00 PM if all markets are closed? e.g. Muthurwa, Wakulima. Some orders need to be issued with solutions for the targets.