The Nairobi County government has issued a one-week notice to traders and property owners in Eastleigh estate to clean up drainage systems located within 10 metres of their premises or face enforcement action.
In the statement issued by Geoffrey Mosiria on Monday, the Chief Officer for Environment, the county government warned that traders and landlords who fail to comply with the directive will face penalties as provided under the Nairobi City County Solid Waste Management Act, 2015.
The Act mandates all property owners and occupants to maintain cleanliness in and around their premises; failure to do so means the county government can take legal action against the owners.
According to Mosiria, who did a compliance check in Eastleigh, the directive is part of a renewed effort by the county to curb environmental pollution and improve sanitation in the densely populated commercial hub.
“Eastleigh impunity must be stopped. To all business owners, landlords, and building owners whose properties are next to drainage systems within 10 meters of their premises, it is your responsibility to ensure that these drainage systems are clean,” read part of the notice.
Mosiria lamented that many business owners had turned drainage channels into dumping sites, leading to frequent blockages and flooding whenever it rains.
He noted that the county has been conducting regular clean-up operations but accused some residents and traders of frustrating the efforts through unlawful dumping.
“Drainage systems are not meant for dumping garbage, as is currently happening in Eastleigh and other parts of the city. We shall take enforcement action against those who fail to comply, even after being educated and made aware of the county’s environmental laws,” he warned.
The county will deploy inspection teams to monitor compliance after the one-week grace period, with those found in violation after the timeline risking closure of their premises, revocation of business permits, or legal prosecution under the environmental laws.
According to Nairobi by-laws, those found guilty may be fined up to Ksh200,000, depending on the severity of the offence.
Minor infractions like littering or small-scale dumping can attract lower fines starting from Ksh10,000, with more serious or repeated cases, offenders risk imprisonment for up to six months, or both a fine and jail term as determined by a court.
Meanwhile, a spot check by Kenyans.co.ke revealed that most traders at the commercial hub dump waste on drainage ways, with the clogging posing a health risk to the public.
