Two Notorious Somali Traders Grab Eastleigh Market Leasing It To Traders As County Makes Losses

Two businessmen from Eastleigh have reportedly taken over a section of an entire street, leasing spaces to hawkers for a fee.

Sheikh Ali and Mohamed Mohamud, also known as Masha, are said to have established dominance in the area, with claims that Eastleigh’s market on 1st Avenue is fully under their control.

Hawkers, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed that securing a spot in the area costs either Shs 300,000 or Shs 30,000 per month, paid to a man named Daudi Hassan, known as Mzee Kijana.

These businessmen are believed to operate with the backing of influential figures from City Hall.

One anonymous hawker commented, “The original vendors have been displaced. Now, only those willing to pay these high fees can continue operating.” Local MCA Dabar Ahmed Qadar is reportedly involved in the situation.

Despite numerous complaints to the Nairobi County Inspectorate, led by Kamukunji sub-county enforcement commander Rhoda, little progress has been made.

Jane Wangui, the County Chief Officer for Markets and Trade, has also been unable to resolve the issue.

Hawkers are now appealing to the new County Secretary, Godfrey Akumali, and Governor Johnson Sakaja for assistance in addressing this ongoing problem.