Residents of Nairobi are poised to benefit after the County’s Governor announced plans for the Green Nairobi Company, an autonomous body set to employ thousands of residents.
Speaking on Friday, August 8, while handing over permanent and pensionable Green Army jobs to 3,500 Nairobians, Sakaja explained that the company will manage the city’s cleanliness.
The Green Nairobi Company will operate independently, much like the Nairobi City Water & Sewerage Company (Nairobi Water) does for water services, and will take over cleanliness services in the city.
According to Sakaja, the company has already been registered by the registrar of companies and was only awaiting financing and other logistics before it could be fully operational.
“The company is registered. We are working on financing. It will soon take charge of cleaning the city,” he said.
According to the Governor, the county has benchmarked similar companies in other countries, such as South Africa, Kigali, and other cities, and is optimistic that this will mark a turning point in the county’s cleanliness agenda.
While issuing the jobs, Sakaja stated that the company, like the issuance of 3,500 jobs, would be a historic move in the capital city's environmental management.
“The last time environment sector personnel were hired was 1987. This is the biggest number ever. What we are doing today is historic. Now you have permanent and pensionable jobs after your diligent work keeping the city clean,” Sakaja said to the candidates.
Speaking during the job handover, Green Nairobi CEC Maureen Njeri praised the workers’ dedication over the past two years.
“This shows that the Governor is confident in the work the Green Army is doing. We must now put our best foot forward. You are the custodians of our city’s cleanliness and beauty,” she said.
Although the governor has not delved much into the details of the new company, it is expected to be a wholly county-owned company with its governance, just like Nairobi Water.
It is also expected to have a Chief Executive Officer, a professional board, and independent resources to ensure accountability and efficiency.
