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Hawkers, boda boda, matatu operators in Nairobi to visit to Rwanda next month


A date has been set for a select group of 300 small scale traders including hawkers, boda boda operators and matatu owners to finally visit Rwanda for a benchmarking exercise.

This is part of a programme announced by City Hall in April targeting the small scale traders to learn best practices and learn new ideas in business to improve their line of business from their counterparts in the country.

Head of the team, under the banner Friends of Nairobi County, former Mayor Joe Akech said that the team will leave the country on June 23 and stay at the East African country for four days.

“We have set the date to coincide with the Omuganda Day, cleaning day, in Rwanda which will be on June 25. So we will leave here two days before to arrive at the country on June 24,” said Mr Akech.

He said that already an 11 member multi-sectoral team has been formed to come up with a final list of the individuals who will be part of the delegation and criteria for picking the individuals given to each association to come up with its list.

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“We do not have a budget as at now as we still have to plan for the logistics involved like getting travel permission and all the other things involved but we will communicate that as and when we get them,” he said.

The individuals who will join the team to Rwanda will be selected by their respective associations after the forthcoming Madaraka Day celebrations in June 1.

In April, City Inspectorate director of operations Peter Mbaya said that the three groups will each contribute 100 members to be taken to the East African country to learn better ways of managing their businesses and order in their operations.

SONKO’S SECURITY

Earlier this month, Governor Mike Sonko met leaders of the three associations at City Hall ahead of the planned visit where he made a commitment of ensuring that the economic livelihoods of the traders are uplifted.

Meanwhile, the group lent their support for Governor Sonko calling for him to be given time to deliver to Nairobi residents, saying that it is not the best time for blame games but concerted efforts to restore the pride of the county.

“He came into office at a time when the county is facing many challenges. Let us stop attacking him but work together to transform the city,” said Akech.

Union Boda Boda Association chairman Ken Onyango called for the national government to enhance the governor’s security so that he can settle down to work.

“It is not easy to work in an environment where people are constantly fighting and sabotaging you. It is good we give him time to deliver,” said Mr Onyango.