Street vendors in Nyeri County have issued an outcry over a proposed law that would impose a fine of Ksh10, 000 or imprisonment for up to six months for selling their products in places other than those designated.
This worry came out in the public participation meeting conducted on Tuesday, May 4, at which the traders met with the National Assembly Committee on Trade to air their opinions about the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood) Bill, 2023.
In general, the vendors feel that the fines to be imposed are high and unrealistic, bearing in mind the nature of the business that they conduct. According to them, most of the traders earn daily incomes ranging between Ksh500 and Ksh1, 000.
The key point here is the one that provides that the traders should acquire permits from the county and work in certain zones.
Traders say this approach fails to recognise how informal businesses operate.
“Our customers are not in one place,” one vendor told the committee. “We move depending on demand. If you confine us to one spot, you are taking away our ability to earn.”
Several participants also pointed out that the bill overlooks occasional traders, such as farmers selling surplus produce. According to them, such individuals may not qualify for licensing under the proposed framework, effectively locking them out of the market.
Beyond the financial implications, vendors expressed concern over enforcement. They warned that granting more authority to county askaris—commonly referred to as “Kanjo”—could open the door to increased harassment and exploitation.
“There is already tension between traders and enforcement officers. Giving them more power without safeguards will only make things worse,” another trader said.
Despite the pushback, the committee maintained that the bill is designed to bring order to street vending while protecting traders. Committee chairperson Michael Wainaina assured participants that their submissions would be considered before the bill is finalised.
“We are here to listen. The views we are collecting will help refine the bill so that it serves its intended purpose,” he said.
Even so, the mood among traders remained firm. Many insisted that the legislation, in its current form, risks doing more harm than good. They urged lawmakers to rethink key provisions to ensure the law supports not criminalises small businesses that form a critical part of the local economy.
