The Nairobi County Government has announced that it will begin arresting landlords and traders in Githurai 44 who are recklessly disposing of raw sewage and blocking drainage systems.
In a statement issued on Thursday, August 28, Nairobi County Environment Chief Officer Geoffrey Mosiria said his department has already issued a seven-day notice to all landlords in the area. He warned that arrests will begin next week should they fail to comply.
Mosiria added that the county government will not only arrest offenders but also take legal action to ensure accountability. He noted that many landlords have illegally directed their sewer lines into open drainage systems, worsening the situation and exposing residents to severe health risks.
“Raw sewage and waste were flowing openly, while drainage systems had been completely blocked by vendors who erected illegal structures on them. It is unfortunate that some landlords have directed their sewer lines into the open drainage system, exposing the public to serious health risks,” Mosiria said.
The county has also issued vacate notices to vendors whose structures have encroached on drainage corridors, causing blockages. Mosiria, who was accompanied by local officials and the area MCA during an inspection tour, said the situation had deteriorated to a level that posed a danger to children and other vulnerable residents through exposure to waterborne diseases.
The crackdown in Githurai 44 follows a similar exercise conducted in Pipeline Estate last month, where the county targeted landlords, caretakers, and tenants who had failed to comply with waste management laws. Mosiria observed that many residents often neglect to pay for waste management services, undermining the county’s ability to maintain cleanliness and compensate private contractors.
“The county government is responsible for cleaning main corridors and ensuring the city remains clean. But it is your responsibility to ensure the waste you generate is disposed of properly at the Dandora dumping site,” Mosiria emphasized.
He further warned that those arrested will not only face prosecution but will also be compelled to fund the clean-up of their premises and transport waste to designated dumping sites.
