Hawkers and business owners engaged in illegal dumping in Eastleigh are set to face the full extent of the law after Geoffrey Mosiria, the Chief Officer for Environment in the Nairobi County Government, announced a crackdown.
In a statement released on Wednesday, September 10, Mosiria blamed hawkers for the waste problems in the densely populated Eastleigh, adding that he would remain in the area for one month to oversee a cleanliness campaign.
Mosiria asserted that hawkers caught unlawfully dumping waste would be arrested and taken to court, further noting that they were not paying the necessary garbage collection fees.
While accusing them of blocking drainage systems in Eastleigh, he urged them to comply with the law before it catches up with their illegal activities.
“To the hawkers who are clogging up the drainage system, we will take action against them. If you are found dumping waste, you will be arrested and taken to court,” Mosiria stated.
“Hawkers are the cause of all the drainage blockages in Eastleigh. Starting today, I want to tell the hawkers to obey the law and not wait for the long arm of the law to catch up with them,” he added.
He also warned the hawkers against blocking roads and impeding traffic flow, noting that this could be hazardous in emergencies.
Mosiria further warned landlords against dumping garbage directly onto roads or into neighbouring compounds. The senior county official noted that those caught doing so would face strict legal action.
During his month-long mission in Eastleigh, Mosiria pledged to restore order and cleanliness to the commercial hub, similar to global cities such as London and Dubai.
This development comes just days after Mosiria began a crackdown in Githurai 44 targeting landlords and traders involved in disposing of, or facilitating the disposal of, raw sewage in open areas.
In a statement on Thursday, August 28, he said that his department had already issued a seven-day notice to all landlords and would begin arrests next week if they did not comply.
Mosiria added that, following any arrests, the county government would take legal action against the individuals.
According to Mosiria, the raw sewage not only created an unsightly environment but also exposed the residents, particularly children, to serious health risks, especially waterborne diseases.
