Common Offences That Can Now Get You Arrested by County Askaris
Throwing garbage carelessly on the streets of Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) will now attract strict punishment, including arrest and possible jail time.
This was revealed by Nairobi County Chief Environment Officer, Geoffrey Mosiria, who said the county government has stepped up efforts to deal with irresponsible waste disposal in the city.
According to Mosiria, anyone — whether a pedestrian discarding candy wrappers, a motorist throwing plastic soda bottles, or a business owner carelessly disposing of waste — will face the law if they are caught dumping trash in undesignated areas.
He emphasized that the county will no longer tolerate such behaviour as it undermines the ongoing efforts to keep Nairobi clean.
“We are going to make bold decisions, including arresting those who refuse to comply, until we achieve full compliance,” Mosiria said, stressing the seriousness of the new enforcement measures.
The Chief Environment Officer further cautioned business owners in the CBD against hiring street families to dispose of their garbage.
He explained that such arrangements often result in the waste being dumped in random places instead of designated dumping sites. “Please ensure you hire registered garbage collectors who take the waste to official collection points,” he advised.
Mosiria also reminded hawkers and small traders operating in the CBD to be responsible for their own litter. He directed them to collect all the waste generated from their stalls at the end of the day and dispose of it properly. “Even if the waste is just a small amount, put it in the nearest litter bin or deliver it to a transfer point. Let’s all play our part,” he added.
He made these remarks on Sunday, September 14, during a major nighttime cleanup exercise in the CBD, which involved over 3,000 Green Army workers. The exercise aimed to ensure that the city’s streets remain clean, organized, and accessible for all.
The following morning, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja praised the Green Army for their hard work. He noted that the workers operate in shifts across different parts of the city to ensure continuous garbage collection and street maintenance.
Sakaja also defended his decision to give the Green Army permanent and pensionable employment, despite criticism from some quarters.
“Many people advised me not to confirm them because they feared the workers would become lazy, but the Green Army has proven them wrong. They continue to work diligently, and they deserve these jobs. I encourage them to keep proving the doubters wrong,” the Governor stated.
Sunday’s cleanup was not just about tidying up the CBD but also marked the groundwork for the soon-to-be operational Green Nairobi Company Limited. This new county-owned firm is expected to transform how waste is managed in the city.
Once fully operational, the company will oversee structured waste collection and modern disposal methods, offering a long-term solution to Nairobi’s garbage problem. It is expected to bring a more organized system that reduces illegal dumping, improves sanitation, and enhances the city’s overall environment.
With these new measures, Nairobi residents and business owners are now being urged to change their attitude towards waste management. Throwing litter carelessly is no longer a small offence — it can get you arrested by county askaris.
Join Government Official WhatsApp Channel To Stay Updated On time
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
