The Nairobi Chief Officer of Environment has vowed to use the newly confirmed “Green Army” environmental workers to completely end the issue of illegal dumping sites in the city.
Mosiria spoke during the confirmation of 3,500 “Green Army” environmental workers into permanent and pensionable positions at City Park, where he called on the workers to embrace their responsibilities now that they were on pensionable terms.
One of Mosiria's key resolutions was using the workers to crack down on illegal dumping sites, which he claims have been a menace in the city due to a lack of proper enforcement.
"Now that the governor has put you on permanent and pensionable terms, the work begins now. In the community, you will be responsible for educating the people of Nairobi on the importance of cleanliness in our city," Mosiria said.
"We now want to collaborate with you to close all illegal dumping sites in Nairobi."
On Friday, August 8, Sakaja, while announcing the confirmation of the workers into permanent and pensionable jobs, also announced plans for the Green Nairobi Company, an autonomous body set to employ thousands of residents.
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.
During his speech, Mosiria also called on the governor to facilitate the vaccination of the workers in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.
He added, "Governor, I want to ask you through the Ministry of Health. Let these people get vaccines for Hepatitis A and B so we don't lose them."
Notably, Hepatitis A is mainly transmitted through contaminated food and water, with the risk being heightened for environmental workers, who operate in areas with poor sanitation or in post-disaster situations where sewage systems may be compromised.
Further, Mosiria also urged the governor to give the go-ahead to the resumption of night cleanups, which he claims are crucial for ensuring the Nairobi CBD is clean on a 24-hour basis.
"Governor, I also want to ask you to authorise the night cleanups of the CBD for every Sunday because the CBD is the face of Kenya," he said.
