Roadside hawking in Kisumu is set to end after the county government directed small-scale traders to move into designated spaces in modern markets.
Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o announced the changes under the 2026 Kisumu County Trade and Markets Policy, which seeks to reorganise informal businesses and create specific places for traders to operate.
Under the new plan, vendors will be allocated spaces in designated markets instead of selling along roads and other informal trading points.
Nyong’o said the move would give small businesses a better environment to attract customers and grow their earnings.
“These policies are not mere documents meant to collect dust on shelves,” Nyong’o said, describing the plan as a blueprint for supporting informal traders and small businesses in the county.
Some traders have welcomed the move, saying roadside hawking has affected businesses operating from established markets.
Businesswoman Sarah Adero said traders in markets stand to benefit if customers are encouraged to shop from designated trading areas.
“When hawkers sell everywhere, customers don’t even get to the market to buy our goods. With the changes, we expect more customers to visit the market and buy from us,” she said.
For other traders, however, competition remains a major challenge.
Kisumu-based businessperson Daniel Akwata said many small businesses struggle to grow because they compete with larger and more established enterprises.
He said emerging businesses could struggle further without adequate support.
IYBA-SEED Project Manager Nduta Ndirangu said the reforms would help improve the management of markets while creating more opportunities for traders.
She said the changes would also support women and youth, strengthen cooperatives and encourage people to buy locally produced goods and services.
The changes come at a time when informal trade is facing increased scrutiny across the country.
President William Ruto recently ordered a crackdown on foreigners operating small shops and engaging in hawking without the required authorisation.
Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui later clarified that foreigners can still enter Kenya under the visa-free and Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) arrangements, but those who want to work or trade must have the necessary permits.
