BY FAITH MASIGA
A group of vendors with disabilities in Nairobi staged a protest on Tuesday to demand better working conditions and an end to discriminatory policies imposed by the Nairobi County Government.
The vendors marched to the Senate to submit a petition, but they were blocked by police. They claim that they are neglected by the county, especially during dispersals by city askaris, and that their social and economic rights are constantly under threat.
The vendors say that past administrations were more lenient, but that the current government does not recognize their existence. They have warned that continued negligence will lead to further infringements of their rights.
The vendors are calling for accessible public infrastructure and an end to discriminatory policies. They are also demanding that the country respect their social and economic rights, as mandated by the Constitution.
Last month, a viral video depicted harassment by Nairobi City Council employees (‘Kanjo’) towards hawkers with disabilities, prompting a public outcry. Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja responded by ordering the release of confiscated items and pledged action against those responsible.