Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja on Wednesday, November 22 met with peanut (njugu) hawker harassed by kanjo in Nairobi Central Business District (CBD).
In a statement, the governor said he engaged and Ambassador of Burundi to Kenya Ms Ntahonkuriye Emmernece to take the Burundian hawker, Ndagire Renova, back to school.
“Following the meeting with the Governor, the County has engaged the Ambassador of Burundi to Kenya Ms Ntahonkuriye Emmernece to ensure the young man is supported in his best interests to resume school and secure a future,” read the statement.
Further, Nairobi County will engage with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to address the issue of child trafficking and immigration where there has been an influx of illegal hawkers and beggars from neighboring countries flooding Nairobi.
Renova, a 14-year-old minor from Burundi, was found selling peanuts in Nairobi CBD in contravention of the County’s street vending/hawking guidelines.
“Unfortunately, when Ndagire was caught and the enforcement officer impounded his goods, the minor struggled for the bucket spilling its contents on to the ground after the handle broke,” added the statement.
Besides, the governor explained that a number of hawkers employ this tactic which naturally attracts sympathy and public outrage and prevents their further arrest.
Also Read: Sakaja Bans Hawking in Nairobi CBD
Sakaja Hawking Rules
Previously, the Governor had brought together the leadership of hawkers, traders, and enforcement officers, where an agreement was reached on the streets where hawkers are allowed to operate from as well as operating times which begin at 4pm in the CBD.
This has been largely complied with to the joy of pedestrians, shop owners and the hawkers themselves.
Additionally, Sakaja urged enforcement officers to treat traders with dignity and in a humane manner.
Also Read: Govt Intervenes After Kanjos Spilled Hustler’s Njugu in CBD
PS Mange’eni Plea
Sakaja’s promise cme after Principal Secretary for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Susan Mang’eni asked for assistance to trace the hawker after he appeared in the troubled in the video.
Furthermore, the PS urged Governor Sakaja to consider formalizing MSMEs in the city by creating secure operational environments.
“It is imperative to preserve and nurture these enterprises, recognizing that their demise does not enhance Nairobi’s affluence and prosperity,” she said.
In addition, Mang’eni argued that ending hawking in the streets of Nairobi CBD would not enhance Nairobi’s affluence.
Instead, the PS stated that effective leadership necessitates provision of guidance and viable alternatives as guided by the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation plan.
