Nairobi is drawing a hard line in the trash, literally. In a bold new crackdown on public hygiene violations, the Nairobi County Government has begun reinstalling garbage bins across the Central Business District (CBD), signaling a fresh and determined war on littering, disorder, and lawlessness.
This renewed campaign follows weeks of street protests that left the city centre in disarray, littered with debris, vandalised infrastructure, and a haunting absence of the previously-installed bins meant to maintain urban cleanliness.
According to Geoffrey Mosiria, the County Chief Officer for Environment, the destroyed bins are being replaced immediately, but this time with tougher measures in place to protect them and punish those who ignore the rules.
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“These bins aren’t just metal containers,” Mosiria said. “They represent a vision: a city of dignity, order, and collective responsibility. It’s time we all rise to that standard.”
As part of the transformation, Nairobi residents who fail to dispose of their waste properly at designated bin points now face hefty fines, alongside strict enforcement of hawking bans, particularly in unauthorized areas.
The government has also ordered the closure of any business premises that operate without proper waste disposal systems in place.
Roadside food vendors, often blamed for rampant garbage accumulation, will be required to establish clear waste management structures or face restrictions. Meanwhile, private garbage collection will no longer operate unchecked, collectors must be both licensed and closely regulated moving forward.
“This is not about popularity,” Mosiria clarified. “We are ready to make difficult decisions. Our city cannot rise if we allow habits that keep it dirty to persist.”
Additional measures announced include: A ban on burning garbage in open spaces, Mandatory cleanliness in front of all city buildings and businesses, CCTV surveillance to be installed in known dumping hotspots, ensuring offenders are caught and prosecuted.
This is not Nairobi’s first attempt to install a clean and modern waste management system. The county had introduced similar bins in the past, but they were largely destroyed during a series of protests that crippled public infrastructure. What’s different this time, however, is the county’s resolve, and the penalties.
Mosiria issued a rallying call to all residents: “This city belongs to all of us. If you witness someone destroying a bin or dumping trash irresponsibly, don’t be silent. Speak up. A clean Nairobi starts with you.”
As Nairobi battles to restore its image as East Africa’s beating heart of progress, one thing is clear: from now on, littering comes with a cost.
