Nairobi hawkers market opens.

13 Apr, 2008

Central Nairobi has never been cleaner or safer thanks to the relocation of over 10,000 hawkers to a special market built for them on the eastern edge of the city centre.

Financed by the government at a cost of Ksh700 million, the Muthurwa hawkers market is open from dawn to dusk and sells assorted items ranging from used clothes and shoes to foodstuffs, CDs and DVDs.

Business got off to a slow start when the market opened in early March but trade is now picking up slowly. A controversial matatu (mini bus taxi) terminus has also been established next to the market to boost business.

The running battles in the city centre between the police and the hawkers