The Nairobi County Government has announced tough measures against waste management businesses and individuals found guilty of illegal dumping, warning that offenders will lose their licenses and face prosecution.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, August 26, Nairobi County Environment Chief Officer Geoffrey Mosiria said the county will revoke the licenses of community-based organizations (CBOs) and private service providers (PSPs) involved in unlawful waste disposal. He noted that offenders risk fines of up to Ksh200,000 or imprisonment of up to two years, as stipulated under the Nairobi City County Solid Waste Management Act, 2015.
“Any individual or entity found dumping illegally, whether a Community-Based Organization or a Private Service Provider, will have their license revoked and will face prosecution in accordance with the law,” Mosiria stated.
The Chief Officer further revealed that despite the closure of some dumping sites deemed unfit, certain operators continue to offload waste in those areas, compromising the health and well-being of nearby communities. “Once we close an illegal dumping site, all private service providers in waste collection and transport must immediately stop using it. We have resumed operations targeting those who continue dumping at such sites,” he said.
The announcement comes amid heightened operations by the county to restore cleanliness in the city. Just a day earlier, Mosiria confirmed that his department had launched a crackdown on hotels and other businesses in the Central Business District (CBD) for improper waste management practices.
According to Mosiria, some establishments generating large amounts of waste have failed to implement proper disposal systems, instead resorting to dumping sacks of garbage along road reserves and walkways. “Currently, if you walk through the CBD, you will find sacks of garbage dumped along road reserves and walkways, contributing to the untidiness of our city,” he noted.
The crackdown is part of a broader county strategy to enforce compliance with waste management regulations, improve sanitation, and protect public health. Mosiria emphasized that the county will not relent in its efforts, warning that non-compliant businesses and service providers will face the full force of the law.
