Senator Okenyuri Tables Tough Rules & Fines For Hawkers in New Bill
If a bill proposed by the Senate is passed, all peddlers operating in the 47 counties will be assigned vending zones.
The Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood) Bill, 2023, stipulates a regulatory framework for all counties to govern hawkers and highway vendors and bring order to the sector.
The proposal, sponsored by Senator-nominated Esther Okenyuri, will include information on all street vendors and potential operating locations within the country.
The county governments will be responsible for subdividing areas into three categories: vending zones with no restrictions, vending zones with restrictions, and vending-free zones.
If a vendor conducts business in a restricted or no-sales zone without a special permit, he faces six months in prison or a fine of up to Ksh10,000, or both.
Under the proposed legislation, county governments will also restrict or revoke a registered peddler’s license if he violates the law or if his operations impede the implementation of national or county policies.
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However, the Trade County Executive Committee (CEC) is required to notify the vendor of the reasons for revoking the license.
If a vendor fails to relocate to the location specified in their vending license after the notice has expired, they risk a daily fine of Ksh10,000.
By the plan, county governments will also be responsible for designating vending zones suited to the operations of hawkers.
This will be determined by four factors: the recommended location of the county vending plan, the number of street vendors already allocated within the location, the need to ensure that existing businesses are not adversely affected by the construction of the vending center and the existing physical plans of the county.
Before constructing the vending centers, the county government would be required to implement solid waste disposal plans and provide security, lighting, and parking services as needed.
In addition, the bill proposed that all vendors keep their designated space clean and dispose of refuse responsibly.
Those who violate the bill’s provisions will be fined Ksh200,000 or sentenced to one year in prison, or both.
Senator Okenyuri Tables Tough Rules & Fines For Hawkers in New Bill
