Nairobi County Chief Officer for Environment, Geoffrey Mosiria, has announced a Ksh10,000 reward for anyone who spots and reports scrap metal dealers who are buying vandalised county dustbins.
In a statement on Monday, August 25, Mosiria claimed that this cash price will add to the already existing cash price of Ksh5,000 for anyone who reports individuals vandalising and fleeing with the dustbins.
Mosiria has, however, clarified that the cash price is not from the county government but rather from a portion of his salary.
After the vandals are successfully apprehended, Mosiria has said that the county government will go ahead to take legal action against the individuals.
"It is unfortunate that after we reinstalled dustbins in the CBD, some individuals have resorted to vandalising them and stealing parts of these public facilities. As the County Government, we will not tolerate such acts," Mosiria said.
"For those scrap metal buyers who are buying bins that belong to the county government, we are coming from you. The Ksh5,000 offer for anyone who reports people who vandalise and sell dustbins is still there, but for those who will spot scrap metals with these bins, I will give them Ksh10,000," he added.
Mosiria has further announced that the county government has also kick-started a crackdown on street families who are being used to vandalise the dustbins.
"We are also going to arrest the street families that are being used to steal the dustbins, and after that, we will go after the individuals who are also sending the street families to do such actions," Mosiria said.
The design and size of dustbins, which were installed by the county government for pedestrians earlier this year in May make them attractive to vandals who could make a good amount of money if they sell them to unlawful dealers.
Mosiria, who stressed the need for Nairobi residents to make use of the dustbins, affirmed that weeding out the vandals will be fundamental in restoring the cleanliness and well-being of the city and its residents.
The dustbins were installed at the same time as the county government was laying cabros on pedestrian pathways along major streets of the city, such as Moi Avenue, to ensure seamless pedestrian mobility within the city.
Furthermore, the county government further installed modern street lighting systems, with the aim of enhancing the visibility, security, and ambience of the city.
