Preparatory arrangements ahead of the King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s State visit in Kenya next week have reached fever pitch as President William Ruto today inspected Uhuru Gardens while Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja ordered all hawkers out of the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) in 24 hours.
The last minute rush is aimed at restoring sanity in the city ahead of the Royal visit.
This is the pioneer visit by the Royal Couple out of a European country to a Commonwealth nation.
The King and Queen of England are expected to tour the new museum dedicated to Kenya’s history and lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior at Uhuru Gardens, as well as visit the site of the declaration of Kenya’s independence in 1963.
During their visit, the royal couple is also scheduled to visit Mombasa county, where they will meet with local leaders and communities and witness some of the development projects supported by the United Kingdom.
President Ruto acknowledged the forthcoming visit as an honour and significant in enhancing collaborations in various areas of shared interest.
Tomorrow, City Hall will conduct a crackdown exercise against hawkers in the CBD.
Sakaja said that the crackdown will seek to tame hawkers operating within the CBD.
“There will be no hawking on the road. In fact, I’m enforcing it from tomorrow (Thursday) morning, even around the bus station. I will not allow that.” He said.
The governor was speaking during a consultative meeting between enforcement officers, hawkers and executive officers.
“I want to make it clear that on Moi Avenue, there will be no hawking. We have a plan for that area and investors have brought in money. I’m also looking out for the commuters of CBD who use that lane.” Sakaja added.
The governor said there needs to be a balance because some of the people who complain about hawkers do it because they demean the work of others.
“On hawkers, we have to balance. There is someone who will complain about hawkers while he is wearing a suit from work to fend for his children but because he has had a little challenge accessing a matatu home, he will say these hawkers should not be there.” He added.
Sakaja insisted that the law must be followed and in areas where hawking is prohibited, he will not change his mind on it.
“Nairobi will be a city of order and dignity. There will be no hawking on roads and that is not negotiable.” He said.
Going further, the county chief added that the move will not only be for the safety of hawkers who risk their lives selling their commodities on the roads but will allow motorists to move with ease.
Sakaja noted the move will further allow vehicles parking space.
The governor also said hawking along Moi Avenue is prohibited.
He explained that the areas have been marked for a multi-billion project which is aimed at decongesting the city.
