Kabul Street Vendors Protest After Relocation to Chaman Area Cripples Livelihoods

Several street vendors in Kabul have reported facing significant drops in income and economic hardship after being relocated from busy commercial areas to the Chaman district by the Kabul Municipality. They say this situation has severely limited their ability to cover their families’ daily expenses.

The Kabul Municipality recently moved vendors from crowded streets and high-traffic spots to the Chaman area, aiming to reduce congestion in parts of the city. This move directly impacted many vendors, whose livelihoods depend on daily sales, as changing their workplace directly affects their turnover.

According to some of these Kabul residents who have worked by the roadsides for years, the new location receives considerably fewer customers, resulting in a notable decline in their income. They add that, given the current harsh economic conditions, any decrease in earnings could create serious challenges for their families.

These street vendors are urging relevant Taliban authorities to address their problems and seek practical solutions to improve their working conditions. They believe that decisions regarding the regulation of street vendors should take into account the livelihoods of low-income groups and provide suitable opportunities for their businesses to thrive.