City Hall to waive permit fees for night market

Nairobi County Executive in charge of youth affairs, Ms Anne Lokidor. PHOTO | COURTESY

What you need to know:

  • The initiative dubbed Ignite Kenya Youth Night Market is a joint initiative of the Nairobi County government and the Youth Agenda, a non-governmental organization.
  • She said that the Nairobi County government askaris will provide security for traders at the KICC's Comesa grounds starting 4pm and closing at about midnight.

City Hall will waive permit and license charges for traders in the upcoming night markets aimed at creating job opportunities for the youth.

Through a statement, the Nairobi County Executive in charge of youth affairs, Ms Anne Lokidor said the county government has resolved to waive the Sh2,500 license fees that would have been payable by the traders, in addition to waiving permits to allow for the distribution of publicity materials.

Ms Lokidor stated that the county will zone off Kaunda Street and City Hall Way, where subsequent markets will be accessed at least once a month.

The initiative dubbed Ignite Kenya Youth Night Market is a joint initiative of the Nairobi County government and the Youth Agenda, a non-governmental organization.

Nairobi governor Dr Evans Kidero is set to grace the launch of the pilot night market at COMESA grounds this coming Easter weekend of Friday, March 25, running through to Sunday, March 27.

The market will target the youths who will have an opportunity, on select weekends every month, to sell merchandise such as clothes and shoes, cosmetics, food and drinks, sports and fitness gear, electronics, arts, books, kitchen ware, decor, kids toys and many other items.

UNEMPLOYMENT

“The night markets are one way of addressing the serious youth unemployment problem which is not unique to Nairobi County but a country-wide challenge, we’re calling on the youth to take up the opportunity to make some extra income,” read the statement.

She said that the Nairobi County government askaris will provide security for traders at the KICC's Comesa grounds starting 4pm and closing at about midnight.

City Hall will also put the Nairobi County fires engines and ambulance services to attend to any emergencies.

“The night market initiative is similar to others such as the Stop Night Market in Ontario, Canada and the Queens Night Market in New York. “They will offer Nairobians who are busy during the day an opportunity to buy clothes and other household goods on their way from work and over the weekend,” said Ms Lokidor.