The latest directive by Nairobi City County to eject hawkers from the city centre has triggered significant political tension, with leaders clashing over its fairness and execution.
Traders are deeply divided into two camps: those supporting the move and those opposing it.
The traders are further split between those aligned with the current government and those backing former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who has expressed strong disapproval of plans to move traders from the Central Business District (CBD).
On January 6, 2025, through a directive from the office of the Governor, hawkers were notified that they would need to vacate the city centre.