Nairobi County Plans New Monthly Conservancy Fee for Residents to Improve Waste Management
Johnson Sakaja has announced that the Nairobi County Government is planning to introduce a new monthly conservancy fee that will be paid by all residents.
The new charge is expected to be included in water bills as part of a broader plan aimed at improving garbage collection and creating long-term solutions for waste management challenges facing the city.
Speaking during an interview with NTV, the governor explained that the county has already held discussions with the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB) to allow the fee to be added directly to water bills.
According to Sakaja, this approach will ensure that every household contributes fairly towards maintaining a clean environment and supporting efficient waste collection services across Nairobi.
The governor said the conservancy fee is necessary because waste management requires consistent funding and cannot rely on temporary measures.
He noted that the funds collected will mainly be used to repair existing garbage collection vehicles, purchase new and more durable equipment, and improve overall logistics within the county’s waste management system.
The county also plans to place modern waste management equipment in strategic locations to improve efficiency and reduce delays in garbage collection.
Sakaja recalled that in earlier years, water bills included a component meant for solid waste management, but this was later removed. He argued that bringing back a similar system would help create a stable and sustainable model where all residents contribute to keeping the city clean.
According to him, this will allow the county to properly maintain its fleet of vehicles and avoid frequent breakdowns that have in the past affected garbage collection services.
Currently, many households in Nairobi pay an average of about KSh1,200 for water consumption alone. However, once sewerage charges, meter rent, standing charges, and the 16 percent VAT are added, the total monthly bill rises to approximately KSh2,000.
With the introduction of the new conservancy fee, residents are expected to pay slightly more, although the county government maintains that the additional cost will result in improved services and a cleaner environment.
The governor further revealed that the county government intends to work closely with the national government and private sector partners to transform waste management into a revenue-generating sector.
Instead of viewing garbage purely as an expense, the county plans to promote recycling and resource recovery, allowing waste to be converted into useful products such as fertiliser and energy.
This approach, he said, will help reduce pending bills and create economic opportunities within the waste management value chain.
In addition, the county plans to carry out public awareness campaigns to educate residents on proper waste disposal practices.
Authorities believe that increased public participation, including proper use of litter bins and responsible waste handling, will help reduce vandalism and improve cleanliness across the city.
The announcement comes shortly after William Ruto confirmed that the national government had reached an agreement with Nairobi County to relocate the Dandora dumping site to Ruai as part of a larger waste management programme.
The project is expected to be funded jointly by both levels of government and will include the construction of a modern waste treatment facility.
According to President Ruto, the planned facility will focus on converting waste into fertiliser, energy, and other reusable products, helping Nairobi move away from traditional dumping methods.
He emphasized that cleaning up the capital city is a shared responsibility between the national and county governments, adding that the new initiative aims to restore Nairobi’s status as a clean and well-managed city.
If implemented successfully, the new conservancy fee and the broader waste management reforms could mark a significant shift in how Nairobi handles garbage, with leaders expressing hope that the city will achieve a cleaner, more sustainable future through improved funding, technology, and public cooperation.
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