The Nairobi County Government has issued a one-week ultimatum to traders and landlords in Eastleigh to clear and maintain drainage systems near their premises or face severe penalties.
In a statement released on Monday by Geoffrey Mosiria, the Chief Officer for Environment, the county warned that those who fail to comply with the directive will be punished under the Nairobi City County Solid Waste Management Act, 2015.
The Act mandates all property owners and occupants to maintain cleanliness within and around their premises. Non-compliance allows the county to take legal action, including closure of businesses, revocation of permits, or prosecution.
According to Mosiria, the directive follows a recent compliance inspection in Eastleigh, aimed at tackling rampant environmental pollution and poor sanitation in the busy commercial district.
“Eastleigh impunity must be stopped. To all business owners, landlords, and building owners whose properties are next to drainage systems within 10 meters of their premises, it is your responsibility to ensure that these drainage systems are clean,” Mosiria stated.
He expressed concern that many traders have turned drainage channels into dumping sites, causing frequent blockages and flooding during rainy seasons. Despite ongoing clean-up efforts by the county, some residents and business owners have continued to dispose of waste illegally.
Mosiria warned that after the one-week grace period, county inspection teams will monitor compliance, and offenders will face enforcement actions.
Under Nairobi’s environmental by-laws, those found guilty risk fines ranging from Ksh10,000 to Ksh200,000, depending on the severity of the offence. Repeat offenders could face imprisonment for up to six months or both penalties as determined by the courts.
The county reiterated its commitment to keeping Nairobi clean and urged Eastleigh residents to cooperate to restore proper sanitation and drainage in the area.
