Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja is set to lead a countywide cleanup exercise this Saturday. The event will kick off at Jevanjee Gardens in Starehe Sub-County, with participation from Deputy Governor Njoroge Muchiri, MCAs, religious leaders, the Green Army, Community Health Promoters, and various community-based organizations.
This cleanup initiative follows a recent crackdown by the county government on public urination and littering. On Monday night, at least 30 individuals were arrested for urinating on the streets and walls of Nairobi. The operation, led by Environment Chief Officer Geoffrey Mosiria, targeted those violating public hygiene standards.
“Anyone caught urinating in the streets of Nairobi will be arrested and face legal action. Tonight, 30 people have been apprehended in the CBD and will appear in court,” Mosiria stated. He emphasized the government’s commitment to restoring order and dignity in the city and said efforts are also focused on addressing littering and illegal garbage dumping.
To better manage waste, Mosiria mentioned plans to open and effectively operate more public facilities for waste disposal and sanitation, including extending their hours to accommodate night-time usage.
Those arrested in the recent crackdown have been sentenced to community service, which includes tasks like cleaning up Uhuru Park and the Nairobi Funeral Home, formerly known as City Mortuary.
Governor Sakaja also addressed the importance of technology in waste management during his speech at the Nairobi Innovation Week at the University of Nairobi. He challenged the university to develop tech-based solutions for managing the city’s solid waste and tracking water usage and wastage.
“We collect over 2,300 tonnes of solid waste daily—how can we leverage technology to manage this and find positive uses for the waste in Nairobi?” Sakaja asked, highlighting the critical need for innovative approaches to the city’s waste management challenges.
