Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu is demanding answers and accountability following what she describes as a brutal and unlawful crackdown on hawkers operating in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD).
Speaking at Parliament Buildings on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, Nyamu called on the Senate Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations to investigate reports of harassment, extortion, and abuse allegedly carried out by Nairobi City County enforcement officers.
“Recent events in the CBD have brought to light troubling incidents involving county enforcement officers against hawkers. These include physical assault, extortion and sexual abuse, particularly targeting female hawkers,” said Nyamu.
“Such acts are not only unethical and unlawful but also violate Articles 28 and 29 of the Constitution, as well as statutes such as the Sexual Offences Act and the Code of Conduct for public officers,” she added.
Karen Nyamu on Nairobi Hawkers
Nyamu emphasised the importance of hawkers in Nairobi’s urban economy, noting that many rely on street vending to survive amid limited formal employment opportunities.
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Despite their economic contributions, hawkers continue to face arbitrary arrests, violent evictions, and confiscation of their goods, often by officers who are not properly identified and operate with little to no accountability.
In her official request, Nyamu sought clarity on several key issues, including the policy framework governing Nairobi City County’s enforcement actions against hawkers.
She also requested training provided to enforcement officers on legal and ethical conduct.
Additionally, she requested measures to be put in place to ensure hawker safety, particularly for women against abuse and violence.
Hawkers Eviction in Nairobi CBD
Governor Johnson Sakaja banned hawking within the Central Business District (CBD) of the Nairobi City County.
In a notice on 9th January, the county government issued a statement giving notice to all hawkers.
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According to the public notice, hawking was only be permitted on designated backstreets and lanes from Monday to Saturday between 4:00 pm and 10:00 pm.
Nyamu’s push for reform comes amid growing public outcry over the treatment of hawkers, many of whom say they are routinely harassed and pushed out of trading spaces without warning or legal process.
The committee, chaired by Senator Fatuma Dullo of Isiolo County, has been tasked with establishing the effectiveness of oversight and complaint-handling mechanisms available to hawkers and the public.
“The informal sector cannot be ignored. We must treat hawkers with dignity and create policies that support—not punish—them,” Nyamu said.
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