Street vendors in Uasin Gishu County have endorsed a proposed Bill seeking to formalise street vending, saying it will improve working conditions and bring order to the informal sector.

The support was expressed on Wednesday during a public participation forum in Uasin Gishu County, convened by the National Assembly’s Committee on Trade, Industry and Cooperatives.

However, the traders raised concerns over proposed licensing requirements and restrictions that would confine vending to designated zones, urging the committee to amend contentious clauses to safeguard their livelihoods.

They said the legislation, if properly implemented, would help curb arbitrary evictions, reduce harassment, and introduce a structured licensing system while creating clearly defined trading spaces.

The Bill aims to address persistent challenges facing street vendors, including a lack of legal recognition, frequent confiscation of goods, and inadequate access to basic amenities such as sanitation and shelter.

Sub-committee chairperson and Aladai MP, Hon. Merryanne Keitany, assured traders that their views would be incorporated into the legislative process, noting that the bill seeks to protect vendors and improve their working environment through regulation.

County Executive Committee Member for Lands Edward Sawe, representing Trade CECM Dr. Sam Kottutt, said the county supports initiatives to streamline the informal sector, adding that structured systems would enhance both trader welfare and revenue collection.

Chief Officer for Trade Felix Kimaru said the county remains committed to creating an enabling environment for small-scale traders, noting that the proposed law aligns with ongoing efforts to organise and integrate street vending into the formal economy.