Blowing your nose without a tissue in Nairobi could cost you up to Sh500,000

Did you know that by blowing your nose without a handkerchief or tissue paper in Nairobi, you risk being fined between Sh10,000 and Sh500,000 or an imprisonment term of between six to 12 months?

This is just one of the many rules and regulations that are aimed at keeping Nairobi clean and hygienic. Nairobi County Government is reminding its residents to familiarise themselves with the Nairobi City County Public Nuisance Act, 2021 to avoid being caught off guard.

Nairobi County Environment Chief Officer Geoffrey Mosiria on Friday pointed out that residents must take responsibility and play their role in having a clean city.

"As a county, we will ensure that our city laws are obeyed and no one will be spared if found culpable," Mosiria added

The Nairobi City County Public Nuisance Bill, 2021 which was signed to law in August 2021, replaced the city bylaws that were overtaken by events following devolution.

"The objective of this Act is to provide for the control of public nuisance and empower the county to take all lawful necessary and reasonably practicable measures on the abatement and prevention of public nuisance," reads part of the Act.

The law also states that it will cost one a six-month jail term or a Sh10,000 fine if found spitting on a footpath in Nairobi county. Also, those found blowing their nose and throwing the mucus on paths will be held liable.

The Act also states that one risks being slapped with a Sh10,000 fine, a jail term of six months, or both for urinating or defecating in a public place.

Another offence is living or sleeping in a kitchen or room where food is prepared or stored for sale. It will attract a fine not exceeding Sh50,000, a six-month jail term or both.

In case of a subsequent offence, the offender can be fined as much as Sh100,000, imprisoned for six months or both.

Also, hawking, selling, distributing, or advertising an article or event on a public road or street without statutory authority will attract punishment. "Any person who commits an offence under this section is liable, upon conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or a fine of not more than Sh10,000 or both," reads the Act.

Shouting or using a bell, loudspeaker or other noisy instrument or driving a vehicle to exhibit advertisements is prohibited.

Keeping animals or poultry deemed a nuisance by neighbours is banned within the city-county.

Playing games in a manner likely to cause damage to property or cause injury will also attract punishment.

Early this week, 30 individuals who were arrested on Monday night for urinating and littering in the streets of Nairobi were sentenced to community service.

After being arraigned at City Court on Tuesday, some of those who were arrested were assigned the task of cleaning the Nairobi Funeral Home (City Mortuary).

Others were subjected to sweeping the CBD while others went to clean Uhuru Park which has been closed since the anti-government protests on June 25, 2024.