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Hawkers Diaries: I quit being a hawker after my friend was killed

– Public views –

Capital FM randomly interviewed members of public on whether the hawkers should be kicked out of city streets.

Though it attracted mixed reactions, majority believe something can be done.

“No, they should be given specific days to trade within the CBD just like the Maasai market. The county government should have proper plans such that after every market day, they clean the streets after business. Otherwise we also need more markets,” Martin Wambura, a city resident told Capital FM News.

For Moses Mwangi, he wonders, “why should they be evicted? Are they not Kenyan citizens who deserve to earn an honest living like any other Kenyan? Let them (the Government) address the real issues; lack of employment in the country.”

“Lets them start by reclaiming back their markets that have either been grabbed or sold to well to do people,” another said.

For Purity Mogeni, she says, “the city needs to be clean. Let them go to Gikomba and Muthurwa markets.”

– Governor’s take –

Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero has however changed his tone about the hawkers – at some point he wanted them out of the city but now says, “they are informal businessmen who are very important to our economy.”

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“We support them because they offer very valuable services to the economy of this country provided they don’t obstruct people and motorists.”

READ: Hawkers Diaries: Tale of suffering and years of deceit

Kidero however admits that land grabbing in the city has become a major problem which has not spared even the hawkers.

“This problem has to end. Every day I have to speak about land grabbing in Nairobi,” he complained.

His statement doesn’t come as a surprise to Nduku’s and her members, who say the politicians are always friendly during the election period.

“We are very important to them around this time of the season,” Nduku says. “But we have known their games …we shall not be tricked anymore.”

Her message to those who want to become Governor of the largest city in the country, “you must tell us what you intend to do, to help the hawkers. We shall not vote blindly anymore. We want a clear plan because it is possible.”

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