How Sonko plans to relocate hawkers from CBD

Hawkers in the city centre. PHOTO | COURTESY

Nairobi Senator Mike Mbuvi Sonko insists he has a ‘comprehensive plan’ on clearing hawkers off the central business dictrict.

He made the declaration on his official social media pages, days after facing a backlash from Nairobians on the influx of hawkers in the city centre.

Among the options on the table, according to Mr Sonko, is relocating a chunk of the hawkers to Mwakario market that will be transformed into a hawkers’ market.

He also plans to splash millions to acquire KPCU Building, located on Haile Selassie Avenue, and convert it into a hawkers’ market as well.

My office has a comprehensive plan to ensure hawkers' interests are taken care of. As a longterm measure, my administration has identified Mwariro Market to be transformed into a hawkers’ market.

Plans are also underway to acquire KPCU building & transform it into a market. http://pic.twitter.com/BE8eKDxZpm

— Mike Sonko (@MikeSonko) November 8, 2017

As well, the governor elaborated plans to have hawkers restricted to operate on specific streets.

For the time being, my administration is working on means and ways that will ensure a progressive and humane relocation of hawkers to designated streets and lanes where they can freely do their businesses without obstructing other people as well as other business owners. http://pic.twitter.com/dYlIEyVWX3

— Mike Sonko (@MikeSonko) November 8, 2017

If successful, the move to relocate hawkers is likely to endear his administration to a majority of city residents.

Here are concerns of city residents on the hawkers menace.

@MikeSonko Nairobi is filthy, hawkers in CBD are your promises crumbling? Was our vote wasted ? Can we recall you ???

— www.doxa.co.ke (@oluocheli) November 8, 2017

Oya @MikeSonko did your manifesto include having hawkers all over in the CBD? Nairobi is looking like Gikomba.

— Rein (@Asamoh_) November 1, 2017

To avoid stepping on a hawkers' stock in Nairobi, allow yourself to be knocked by motorbike or ran over by buses

— Wachera (@NikkiWachera) October 30, 2017