Normality has returned to Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) after hours of standoff between matatu operators and hawkers.
The matatu operators blocked the main roads to protest hawkers occupying their parking space. They blocked Moi Avenue, Tom Mboya Accra Road and Ronald Ngala.
An agreement was reached after a meeting with the City leadership, hawkers and matatu representatives.
Led by Dr. Michael Waikenda, the Chief Officer of Mobility, the meeting brought together representatives from both groups to address the ongoing tensions.
Waikenda said the discussions resulted in a significant agreement for peaceful co-existence between the two parties.
“We have agreed with representatives from both sides to co-exist. Relocating hawkers to the backstreets does not mean matatus should vacate. Both parties must collaborate to ensure order for the betterment of the city,” Waikenda emphasized.
National CEO Federation of Public Transport Sector Kushian Muchiri said the matter had been addressed even as he asked transport operators to resume normal operations.
“Let’s get back to work. We have agreed on the best way forward. We have told them our concerns and agreed that from tomorrow, corridor representatives will take charge of pending issues going forward,” Muchiri said.
Speaking to the media Chairman of the Hawker Association Francis Gachanja confirmed that both groups had agreed to work together to maintain cleanliness in the designated corridors.
“We have committed, together with the county representatives and matatu operators, to ensure order and cleanliness in our assigned areas,” Gachanja said.
The resolution comes after Nairobi County Secretary Godfrey Akumali clarified that the directive issued on January 6, 2025, was not aimed at displacing hawkers.
He said the directive was designed to create a more organized environment that would benefit everyone.
“Hawkers should not occupy spaces meant for matatus, just as matatus should not block pedestrian paths. Both sectors are interdependent, and it is in their mutual interest to follow the county’s regulations,” Akumali stated
During the morning standoff, drivers and conductors were seen playing football on the roads paralyzing transport, with pedestrians having difficulties in navigating the CBD.
Nairobi residents were forced to use alternative routes with others completely abandoning their journey as the transport sector was paralysed.
Whistling and shouting were heard in the streets, with some of the operators chanting “hakuna kubembelezana leo hapa (we won't take matters lightly today)”.
Addressing the media, Muchiri asked the national and county governments to ensure that the transport sector is respected.
He threatened a major strike in the sector if the issues facing them were not addressed.
Lucky Baba Dogo Traveller director Simon Mburu said another business had occupied their spaces, inconveniencing them.
“Ndio maana tumesema biashara town imesimama (That is why we have decided to halt all businesses in town),” he said.
Mburu said traders occupying their space had a letter directing them to, but their sacco was left out as no communication was made on the changes.
He said they were co-existing when hawkers would open their businesses at 4pm, criticizing the changes made.
The standoff pushed the Nairobi leadership to convene a meeting to address the matter.