Nairobi County stopped from evicting hawkers

The County Government of Nairobi has been directed not to evict hawkers operating in Eastleigh Avenue 1 and 2 pending hearing and determination of a suit in court.

The applicants were further directed to serve the respondents in the suit who include the County Government of Nairobi, Inspector General of Police, County Commander of Administration Police and Administration Police.

The matter will be heard on March 3.

The orders were issued after Eastleigh Hawkers’ Association moved to court to stop Nairobi City County Government from evicting them from where they conduct their businesses until a designated area is built for them.

They argue that they derive their livelihood from hawking adding that they have no place to run their business if the respondents evict them.

Late last year, Easteligh hawkers clashed with mall owners after the mall owners closed the shopping malls citing hawkers’ menace.

The hawkers say it’s unfair to evict them and criticized mall owners who closed their premises on in protest against them.

The Eastleigh Hawkers’ Association accused the mall owners of insincerity and grabbing public land, leaving them with no option.