Nairobi County has ordered the closure of two glass recycling factories operating near residential areas in Kayole. The decision comes after repeated complaints from residents about broken glass scattering around homes and streets, posing serious safety risks.
According to Geoffrey Mosiria, Nairobi County Chief Officer for Environment, the factories, which process glass from liquor bottles, frequently crushed bottles during operations, leaving shards that injured children and caused punctures to motorists’ tires. Despite warning notices from the county government, the factories failed to take corrective measures, prompting authorities to take decisive action.
“We responded to complaints from residents of Kayole regarding recycling facilities that process glass liquor bottles within a residential area. These facilities frequently crush the glass bottles during their operations, often scattering broken glass on the roads. Residents report that this has led to children being injured while playing and motorists suffering punctured tires. Despite being issued with prior notices, the operators failed to comply,” Mosiria stated.
Security agencies have apprehended two supervisors from the factories as part of the enforcement measures. Mosiria emphasized that the county will continue cracking down on operations that compromise safety and waste management standards.
“Such facilities have no place in residential areas, as they pose a direct threat to the safety and well-being of our communities. Nairobi County remains fully committed to protecting residents and ensuring that all waste management activities comply with environmental and safety regulations,” he added.
This move follows a similar closure of a motor vehicle garage in Runda Estate in early August, which had drawn complaints from residents due to excessive noise. Mosiria assured that security personnel would continue monitoring such premises to prevent further violations.
The closures underline Nairobi County’s determination to enforce environmental and safety regulations and protect residents from hazardous activities within their neighborhoods.
