The Nairobi County Chief Environment Officer, Geoffrey Mosiria, has warned hawkers and business owners in the Central Business District (CBD) against using the newly installed dustbins to dump their waste.
Speaking when the installation kicked off on Sunday, May 18, Mosiria stated that the bins were put in place to only serve pedestrians after the previously installed ones were stolen.
If caught dumping commercial waste in the bins, the county officer declared that necessary legal action, including prosecution, would be taken as a deterrent to others.
"Importantly, these dustbins are strictly meant for use by pedestrians and not for hawkers, vendors, or business owners," he warned.
"Anyone found disposing of commercial waste in these public bins will also be arrested and prosecuted, as this creates illegal dumping sites and undermines our efforts to keep the city clean."
For those who needed to dispose of their commercial waste, Mosiria advised that they seek the services of the county to help in the disposal of the waste at the Dandora dumpsite.
Confirming that the installation would be complete within the week, he urged county officials
"We wish to make it categorically clear that anyone found littering or spitting in public spaces will face arrest and prosecution, in line with existing county by-laws," he stated.
"This includes individuals who spit phlegm (sputum) on the ground instead of using a handkerchief or tissue. Such behaviour is both unhygienic and unacceptable in a modern, clean city."
He further called upon all Nairobi residents and visitors to safeguard the bins, terming them as public assets that they should take pride in and have ownership in.
"Let us embrace responsible waste management and reject any form of misuse or impunity. Together, let’s keep Nairobi clean, orderly, and dignified," he stated.
This latest plan is part of the bigger plan to clean and restore order in the city. So far, hawkers have been moved from certain CBD streets and assigned specific ones to ease congestion.
Regular crackdowns on business owners who contravene these regulations have also become a part of the routine.
