Nairobi County targets illegal waste dumpers, vows to revoke licenses and prosecute offenders

The Nairobi County Government has intensified its crackdown on waste management firms accused of dumping garbage at illegal sites.

On Tuesday, August 26, Environment Chief Officer Geoffrey Mosiria announced that the county will revoke licenses of Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) and Private Service Providers (PSPs) found violating waste disposal laws.

“Any individual or entity found dumping illegally, whether a CBO or PSP, will have their license revoked and will face prosecution in accordance with the law,” Mosiria said.

He warned that offenders risk fines of up to Ksh200,000 or imprisonment for two years under the Nairobi City County Solid Waste Management Act, 2015.

Despite the closure of unfit dumping sites, Mosiria noted that some providers continue using them, endangering residents’ health and well-being. “Once we close an illegal dumping site, all private service providers must immediately stop using it. We have resumed operations targeting those who continue dumping at such sites,” he said.

The crackdown follows Monday’s announcement that the county had begun targeting hotels and businesses in the Central Business District (CBD) over improper waste disposal. Mosiria said some establishments dump sacks of garbage along road reserves and walkways, worsening the city’s untidiness.

“I will be leading an operation in the CBD to inspect hotels and other establishments that generate waste, focusing on how they manage and dispose of it,” he said.