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The Senate approved the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood) Act, 2023 after making changes, and the National Assembly has now taken receipt of it for additional review.
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The legislation aims to create a legal structure to safeguard street sellers and formally acknowledge them as an industry.
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Local government authorities will handle the issuance of permits to sellers, establish areas where vending is allowed without restrictions, areas with certain limitations, and regions where selling is prohibited.
Elijah Ntongai, who works as an editor for LFHCK.ID.co.ke, brings more than four years of expertise in researching and reporting on finance, business, and technology, offering perspectives on developments within Kenya, Africa, and around the world.
The Upper House approved the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood) Act, 2023 along with modifications.
The legislative body stated that it has accepted the bill for review.
Nominated Senator Esther Okenyuri Anyieni stated that the legislation aims to safeguard street traders by creating a formal system that acknowledges their role as a key provider of income for countless Kenyan citizens.
“The main purpose of this Bill is to establish a structure for controlling the activity of street selling across the nation. Small-scale commerce plays an important role in boosting trade within the country. At present, there is no official regulation overseeing the operation of street vending, which leads to difficulties faced by both street sellers and local government authorities in managing this sector,” stated Senator Anyieni in the memo accompanying the bill.
Establishment of a nationwide database for roadside sellers
It describes the establishment of a nationwide directory for street sellers, the process of registering and obtaining licenses, and the selection of areas designated for selling.
Within the updated system, street sellers must enroll with local government authorities and obtain a permit to conduct business lawfully.
The permits will outline information including the seller’s address, nature of products offered, and operating times.
Vending zones
As per the legislation, counties will be responsible for dividing regions into areas where selling is allowed without restrictions, areas with limited sales regulations, and places where vending is prohibited.
These areas will guarantee that sellers work within specified locations that do not block access to public facilities or violate safety rules.
Furthermore, the legislation will grant county authorities the ability to oversee street trading, remove traders located in restricted areas, and establish regular marketplace systems.
Do vendors have rights?
The legislation also outlines the privileges of roadside sellers, including availability of basic amenities such as safety measures, cleanliness, and illumination within specified selling zones.
Traders will be shielded from intimidation, and their merchandise will be protected against illegal seizure.
Significantly, food sellers must comply with hygiene regulations related to food preparation, guaranteeing that community well-being remains a top priority in roadside selling operations.
The unregulated informal market in Kenya, such as roadside selling, plays a major role in the country’s economic activities, yet this absence of oversight has resulted in disputes between traders and local authorities.
The suggested rules will formally acknowledge street sellers who sell garments, footwear, and various items along with beloved roadside dishes like mutura and boiled eggs.
The Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood) Act, 2023 will be subject to additional deliberations by parliamentary members prior to its enactment as legislation.
Should it be implemented, it would establish a defined framework for controlling sidewalk selling, thereby supporting the expansion of the unregulated workforce while promoting a safer and better-structured urban environment for everyone.
