Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu is demanding answers and accountability following what she describes as a brutal and unlawful crackdown on hawkers operating in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD).
Speaking at Parliament Buildings on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, Nyamu called on the Senate Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations to investigate reports of harassment, extortion, and abuse allegedly carried out by Nairobi City County enforcement officers.
“Recent events in the CBD have brought to light troubling incidents involving county enforcement officers against hawkers. These include physical assault, extortion and sexual abuse, particularly targeting female hawkers,” said Nyamu.
“Such acts are not only unethical and unlawful but also violate Articles 28 and 29 of the Constitution, as well as statutes such as the Sexual Offences Act and the Code of Conduct for public officers,” she added.
Nyamu emphasised the importance of hawkers in Nairobi’s urban economy, noting that many rely on street vending to survive amid limited formal employment opportunities.
Despite their economic contributions, hawkers continue to face arbitrary arrests, violent evictions, and confiscation of their goods, often by officers who are not properly identified and operate with little to no accountability.
In her official request, Nyamu sought clarity on several key issues, including the policy framework governing Nairobi City County’s enforcement actions against hawkers.
She also requested training provided to enforcement officers on legal and ethical conduct.
Additionally, she requested measures to be put in place to ensure hawker safety, particularly for women against abuse and violence.
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