Street vendors across the country could soon enjoy stronger protection from harassment by county enforcement officers, commonly known as “kanjos,” following a proposed law that threatens jail terms and heavy penalties for officers found abusing hawkers.
The proposed legislation seeks to change the long-running relationship between hawkers and county askaris, a relationship that has often been marked by tension, violent confrontations, confiscation of goods, and allegations of extortion.
If passed, county officers who harass or unlawfully mistreat street vendors could face up to one year in jail or other legal penalties.
For years, hawkers in major towns and cities have complained about rough treatment from enforcement officers during crackdowns aimed at clearing streets and public spaces.
Many vendors claim they have lost merchandise worth thousands of shillings during operations, while others accuse officers of demanding bribes to allow them to continue operating.
Under the new proposals, such actions could attract serious consequences. The law aims to create a safer and more organized working environment for informal traders, who form a large part of Kenya’s urban economy.
Lawmakers behind the proposal argue that hawkers deserve dignity and protection like any other workers contributing to the economy.
The proposed law also seeks to regulate how county governments deal with street vendors. Enforcement officers would be required to follow proper procedures during operations and avoid violence, intimidation, or destruction of property.
Any officer found violating the rights of hawkers could face disciplinary action, prosecution, or imprisonment.
Supporters of the proposal say it is long overdue, especially considering the struggles many informal traders face while trying to earn a living.
Hawking remains one of the main sources of income for thousands of unemployed youth, single parents, and low-income families in urban centres.
In cities such as Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, and Eldoret, hawkers are a common sight along roadsides, bus stages, and crowded markets.
While county governments often argue that street vending contributes to congestion and disorder, hawkers insist they operate in public spaces because they have few alternatives for survival.
The proposed reforms are expected to push counties to create designated trading zones where vendors can work without fear of harassment.
Leaders supporting the bill argue that counties should focus more on organizing traders rather than using force to remove them from streets.
Some hawkers have welcomed the proposal, saying it could finally end years of suffering. Several traders narrated experiences of being chased through streets, losing goods during raids, or being physically assaulted by enforcement officers.
Others said fear has become part of their daily routine whenever county vehicles appear in business areas.
Human rights groups have also supported the move, arguing that informal traders deserve legal protection and humane treatment.
According to activists, some crackdowns have in the past led to injuries, destruction of property, and even deaths during chaotic confrontations.
However, county governments may face challenges balancing the rights of hawkers with the need to maintain order in urban centres.
Some officials argue that uncontrolled street vending blocks walkways, affects businesses operating legally in shops, and creates sanitation problems in busy towns.
Even so, supporters of the proposed law insist that punishment for abusive officers is necessary to stop misuse of power.
They say the goal is not to prevent counties from enforcing regulations, but to ensure enforcement is carried out lawfully and respectfully.
If approved, the law could mark a major shift in how street vendors are treated across Kenya. It would also send a strong message that harassment, violence, and intimidation against hawkers are no longer acceptable.
For many traders struggling daily to survive in difficult economic conditions, the proposal offers hope that the streets where they earn their living may finally become safer places rather than battlegrounds filled with fear and uncertainty.
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