Kiambu governor Kimani Wamatangi on Tuesday held an exclusive meeting with Thika hawkers alongside their leaders.
The meeting was held after an earlier directive from the county government banning hawkers from trading along the streets and directing them to operate from Mukiriti Market a move that drew sharp critics.
Hawkers were given the notice to vacate by the Kiambu county government as it seeks to have the town elevated to city status.
Among those who attended the meeting included Wamatangi (Governor), Rosemary Kirika (deputy governor), Alice Nga’ng’a(MP Thika), and area MCA Mwangi Kentams.
Speaking after the meeting, Wamatangi said that the 6 pm order will only be effective for one week awaiting further evaluation.
“The instructions are that no hawker should be found selling their goods before 6.00 pm and our enforcement team will work closely with police to ensure the orders are followed. We are committed to protecting the business of hawkers and that of those working in shops and I am sure in due course we will find a permanent solution to this issue,” Wamatangi said.
Thika MP Alice Ng’ang’a urged the County government to construct a modern market for traders in Thika town.
Ng’ang’a said that the move will encourage more Kenyans to engage in business and the process help in revenue generation.
“It will also be okay if we can decide to barricade some town roads for particular days to facilitate more business for the hawkers. Should the county agree to give you space in open ground, I request that you obey so that we can accommodate everyone in town,” Ng’ang’a said.
MCA Mwangi Kentams thanked Wamatangi for finding time to join Thika traders and address their problems.
During the meeting, Shop owners objected to the move by hawkers to operate from 6 pm noting that that would interfere with their businesses that run till 7 pm.
They had proposed hawkers only operate from 7 pm when they close their shops.
The hawkers however said they are not opposed to raising the town standards but the county government should find amicable solutions for relocating them.
Kiambu senator Kirungo Thagwa had opposed the move by Wamatangi to relocate the traders from the streets.
Thang'wa told the Star on Tuesday the hawkers are an integral part of the hustler nation who voted for them.
Karungo had said the move was ill-thought adding that an amicable solution had to be sought.