Nairobi’s Green Army shifts clean-up focus from CBD to residential areas

The clean-up initiative that seeks to transform Nairobi into the cleanest city will now extend to residential areas after the same is completed in the central business district (CBD).

Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson announced on Sunday that the CBD clean-up would now shift focus to neighbourhoods across the city, marking a new phase in the programme.

“This is the last day we are collectively, as 3,500 members, participating in the CBD clean-up. Over the past weeks, you’ve done an exceptional job. We will now move to the estates, cleaning them one by one,” Sakaja said while addressing members of the Green Army, the team spearheading the project.

Braving heavy rains on Sunday evening, the 3,500 Green Army members completed the CBD clean-up and prepared to move to the city’s estates.

Sakaja praised the group for its dedication and highlighted plans to secure their future by making their positions permanent and pensionable.

“Plans are in motion to ensure your employment becomes permanent and pensionable. But you also need to do your part as we do ours. Employment will be based on merit and the hard work each of you puts in,” he said.

Garbage collection company

Sakaja revealed that the Green Nairobi Company, set to be operational this year, will oversee garbage collection, environmental management, and other related activities. The independent entity will ensure a sustainable clean-up initiative for the entire city.

Joined by close to 40 MCAs, the Deputy Governor and County Executive Committee members (CECs), Sakaja emphasised the importance of collaboration to maintain cleanliness and restore order in the capital.

He urged residents to take responsibility for sustaining the efforts of the clean-up campaign.

“Cleanliness is our collective responsibility. Let’s all participate, not only in cleaning but also in maintaining a clean Nairobi,” he said.

He said the Green Army’s dedication had captured the attention of President William Ruto.

“The President has expressed his pride in what you’re doing. Let’s push harder and deliver for our people,” Sakaja said.

The Green Army, operating under the Green Nairobi Department, has played a pivotal role in the CBD clean-up, aiming to create a more organised and hygienic urban environment.

With the new focus on residential areas, the initiative seeks to extend its impact across the city, fostering a culture of cleanliness and environmental responsibility.

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• City Affairs
• Garbage Collection
• eastleigh garbage collection
• Green Army
• Nairobi garbage
• Nairobi clean-up initiative
• Governor Sakaja Johnson
• Nairobi’s Green Army shifts clean-up focus from CBD to residential areas
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Support from national government

While commending Nairobi’s clean-up efforts, President Ruto pledged the support of the national government.

On Sunday, Ruto lauded the Nairobi City County government for its ongoing clean-up initiatives. He praised the efforts led by Sakaja, which include removing overhanging signage from walkways, clearing hawkers from main streets and pedestrian paths, and general city cleaning.

The President described these initiatives as a step in the right direction, highlighting their potential to significantly improve the city’s appearance.

“Huge progress is being achieved. Deputy Governor Muchiri, tell the governor you [are] headed in the right direction, and the national government is with you,” Ruto said while addressing worshipers at the Global Cathedral in Nairobi.

He stressed the importance of Nairobi’s role as the capital and the country’s public face, noting that the city must project a positive image.

“Nairobi, as the capital and face of Kenya, must give the correct impression,” he said.

He also outlined plans for further collaboration between the national and county governments to address critical infrastructural challenges.

“We shall work with the county government to collect all the garbage, to repair and re-carpet all the roads,” he said.