Street vendors and hawkers could soon enjoy legal protection under a proposed law that seeks to regulate their trade and safeguard livelihoods.
The Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood) Bill, 2023, tabled before the National Assembly, outlines a framework to formally recognize hawkers, set minimum operational standards, and introduce dispute resolution mechanisms to end decades of harassment by authorities.
If passed, the law will compel counties to develop vending zone plans, classifying areas as restriction-free, restricted, or no-vending zones, while ensuring vendors access proper facilities, security, and waste disposal services.
Nominated Senator Esther Okenyuri, who is sponsoring the Bill, says the move aims to strike a balance between protecting hawkers’ rights and managing urban spaces.
Vendors, many of whom welcomed the proposal, say legal recognition could foster harmony with county governments and shield them from harassment.
The Bill also proposes strict penalties, including fines of up to Ksh10,000 or six months in jail for hawkers operating illegally in restricted zones. Counties will have powers to license, suspend, or revoke permits for violations, with trade executives overseeing registration and compliance.
