The Nairobi City County Government has warned the public against buying from hawkers in banned zones, indicating that those who will be caught will be arrested.

Nairobi’s Chief Officer for Environment Geoffrey Mosiria said that hawkers have been allocated designated backlanes to operate from, but many have continued to block pedestrian walkways. This resulting to inconveniencing city residents and congestion in the city.

Mosiria posted on his X account saying, “We are stepping up enforcement efforts to ensure compliance. Going forward, enforcement will not only target hawkers operating in undesignated areas but also individuals buying from them, as they are aiding and abetting this illegality.”

“Those who knowingly purchase goods from hawkers operating in prohibited areas will also be treated as law offenders, as they are actively encouraging and sustaining illegal activity. Just as selling in undesignated areas is unlawful, so too is knowingly supporting that illegality,” Mosiria added.

He has also emphasized that its a renewed commitment to restore order, cleanliness, and dignity to the city.

He has also insisted that the actions to be taken can be viewed as tough and unpopular, but they are necessary and firmly within the law to safeguard public order and ensure that the rights of all city dwellers are respected.

The Nairobi City County Government is fully committed to restoring and maintaining order in our city. While hawkers have been allocated designated backlanes to operate from, many have continued to block pedestrian walkways, inconveniencing city residents and compromising public… pic.twitter.com/BiAfQ1GRMt

— Geoffrey Mosiria (@HonMosiria) July 24, 2025