Nairobi County has issued a stern warning to landlords and property managers over the open-air burning of waste, which is now strictly prohibited under the Nairobi County Air Quality Act of 2021. The warning came after a security guard was caught burning trash in a residential compound, generating dense smoke that posed health risks to nearby residents.
Through Chief Officer for the Environment Geoffrey Mosiria, City Hall highlighted that open burning of waste is illegal unless authorised by relevant authorities. Anyone caught violating the law faces a penalty of at least Ksh500,000, a minimum of six months imprisonment, or both. Industrial entities face harsher penalties, including fines of Ksh1 million or up to two years in prison.
Mosiria revealed that he discovered the incident during a routine patrol when he noticed smoke rising from the estate. “Evidence shows this was not the first time such burning had occurred. Smoke entering people’s homes poses serious health risks, particularly to children and individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma,” he said.
While the security guard involved received only a warning, Mosiria emphasised that repeated violations by landlords, property managers, or their agents would attract strict enforcement measures. The ban aims to reduce air pollution caused by burning waste, especially plastics, and to prevent small fires from escalating into uncontrollable incidents in residential areas.
In addition to cracking down on illegal waste burning, the county government has also targeted rogue Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) and Private Service Providers (PSPs) dumping waste at unauthorised sites. Despite closures of some illegal dumping grounds, some operators continue to dispose of waste improperly, threatening the health of surrounding communities.
Nairobi County urges all residents, landlords, and businesses to adhere strictly to environmental regulations, underscoring that protecting air quality is crucial for public health and safety.
