Robert Alai, the Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Kileleshwa, has proposed that all hawkers in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) be required to wear uniforms as a measure to curb insecurity.
The proposal was shared on his X account and is part of his broader criticism of Governor Johnson Sakaja’s handling of the city’s security issues.
Alai argued that press conferences alone cannot solve the problem of muggings and called for tangible action from the county government.
A Call for Regulation and Order
Alai’s proposal for mandatory uniforms and special identification cards for hawkers aims to bring order to the CBD and make it easier to distinguish genuine traders from criminals.
He has also suggested limiting the number of PSV Matatus entering the CBD at a given time to maintain a smart city. The MCA believes that regulating the informal sector is a key step towards improving security.
“There is a serious, urgent need to rein in the insecurity in the city. Have all hawkers wear uniforms and limit the number of PSVs entering the CBD at any given time. Have a cooperation framework with the national security architecture,” Alai proposed.
The MCA has also called on the county government to work more closely with national security agencies to address the issue effectively.
The Insecurity Problem in Nairobi’s CBD
In recent weeks, there has been a significant rise in reports of violent muggings and robberies in Nairobi’s CBD.
Kenyans have taken to social media platforms, particularly TikTok and X, to share their harrowing experiences of being attacked in broad daylight.
Victims have described being targeted by criminal gangs, often made up of young people, who intimidate, rob, and sometimes threaten them with knives or other objects.
Many of these incidents remain unreported, but the public outcry on social media has prompted both the county and national governments to act.
In response to the public outcry, police have launched a security operation in the CBD, and over 200 suspects have been arrested.
However, the police have also warned against digital sensationalism, stating that some social media posts may be exaggerated.
The Political Back-and-Forth
The proposal from Alai is part of an ongoing political tension between him and Governor Sakaja. Alai has been vocal in his criticism of Sakaja’s leadership, at one point threatening to lead a signature collection to impeach the governor if he did not improve in two months.
Governor Sakaja has also spoken out against the criticism, stating that his administration is committed to addressing the city’s challenges, including insecurity.
The political dispute has become a key feature of the conversation about Nairobi’s management, with security remaining a major point of contention for residents and leaders alike.
by moses sagwe
