Muranga governor wants to legalise hawking

Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria is in the process of drafting a bill seeking to legalise hawking in his county.

Wa Iria has said if the bill is enacted into law, it will ensure hawkers have designated areas and structures to do their businesses.

Speaking on Friday in Murang’a town, wa Iria pointed out his concern over how hawkers are treated like criminals and many times harassed by law enforcers when they are found conducting their businesses on the streets.

“These are our people who want to feed their families and also pay taxes which are even much higher than the one being paid by those in formal businesses,” he said.

In a day, the governor said, every hawker pays roughly Ksh.50 as tax and when accumulated per year, they actually pay more tax compared to many other in the formal sector.

“It’s a pity when we see our mothers being chased all over, this bill will ensure this kind of trend ends and hawkers get designated areas to sell their products along busy roads and streets,” he assured.

The governor said hawkers should be respected for their contribution in the country’s economy saying the informal sector has employed thousands of Kenyans.

“Hawkers usually get customers where they are and by so doing they help in marketing of manufactured products and also farm produce,” he added.

He assured that starting next week, he will lobby for the support of the bill and noted that he will employ the input of the hawkers on the bill.