Geoffrey Mosiria, Nairobi County's Environment Chief Officer, has announced that the county government is installing new litter bins made from different materials, following a surge in theft and vandalism of the old ones.
In a statement on Wednesday, August 27, Mosiria claimed that the new bins will be made of fibre, which is less valuable than metal and therefore less likely to be stolen and sold on the black market.
He urged city residents to utilise the bins, which are designed to improve environmental cleanliness, and to report anyone who attempts to remove them.
"We are continuing with the installation of dustbins in the CBD, but now we are installing dustbins which are more fibre which means even if they steal, it will not help them even if they go and steal them," Mosiria stated.
"We will continue to install these new litter bins in the CBD, and I would like the residents of the CBD to ensure that they take care of these bins. Please do not steal, and if you see anyone stealing them, please tell them to stop," he added.
Mosiria also noted that the county government will reinforce its crackdown on thieves and scrap metal dealers selling and buying metal litter bins stolen from the Central Business District (CBD).
According to Mosiria, vandals will be arrested and charged.
Ksh10,000 Reward
The announcement comes two days after Mosiria announced a Ksh10,000 reward for any resident who spots and reports scrap metal dealers who are buying vandalised county dustbins.
According to Mosoria, in a statement on Monday, August 25, the prices will add to the Ksh5,000 for anyone who reports individuals stealing the dustbins.
According to Mosiria, the funds will not be sourced from the county government but rather from his own pocket.
"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.
