Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja says street hawking cannot be completely eliminated from the capital.

He said the county is instead focusing on regulating the trade and creating designated spaces for hawkers.

Speaking on Radio Citizen on Wednesday, Sakaja said hawking provides a livelihood for many Nairobi residents.

“Hawking and street business is something that will never end. It requires us to manage it because those people are also looking for a livelihood,” he said.

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County moves to Regulate Hawkers

Sakaja said the county has been engaging street traders on where and when they can operate.

He said the aim is to reduce congestion and disputes with licensed businesses.

According to the governor, it is unfair for hawkers to sell similar products directly outside shops that pay rent and license fees.

He said the county has established at least 20 markets to provide traders with designated spaces.

Sakaja also blamed previous governments for failing to provide enough trading areas for informal businesses.

No Charges for Content Creators

Sakaja also dismissed claims that Nairobi County had introduced charges for ordinary content creators.

He said the fees only apply to large local and international film productions.

“There is no way content creators will be charged in Nairobi when I am the governor,” he said.

The governor added that the county plans to hold a photography festival.

Photographers will compete for an ward for the best image depicting Nairobi.

Sakaja highlights Healthcare Progress

On healthcare, Sakaja said Pumwani Maternity Hospital recorded zero maternal deaths over the past year.

The hospital handled more than 11,000 deliveries during the period.

He said it had recorded about 16,000 deliveries the previous year.

Sakaja also said Nairobi now has 23 neonatal beds.

He added that Mathare North Hospital has performed 65 Cesarean sections.

The county has also deployed 50 dentist across the sub-counties.

County Prepares for Heavy Rains

On infrastructure, Sakaja said Nairobi is implementing a Ksh 2.4 billion drainage programme.

He aid the project will improve the city’s response to heavy rains and flooding.

Sakaja also cited progress in plans for a mass transit system.

However, he said Nairobi will eventually need an underground metro system.

The governor said the county wants to move away from enforcement alone.

He said informal traders should instead be given organized spaces to operate.