Nyali residents fearful over return of closed VOK dumpsite

Residents of Nyali Sub-county, Mombasa, are fearful of the impact of the revival of the VOK dumpsite, which is owned by the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) and sits on 22 acres of land.

The site was closed four years ago during Hassan Joho's term as governor for posing a serious health hazard due to the choking smoke and awful smell that emanated from the garbage.

The residents want it rehabilitated and turned into an open-air market or a recreational park.

The VOK dumpsite in Nyali, Mombasa County, as pictured on March 27, 2024. (Photo: Mishi Gongo)

However, the Mombasa County government, through Environment executive Francis Thoya, said the county was in no position to set up anything on that land since it belongs to the KBC.

"Their fear is baseless. The dump site was closed. What we have here is a collection point for all the garbage from Nyali, which is then shipped to Mwakirunge. County lorries carry about 90 tonnes of garbage every day to Mwakirunge," he told The Eastleigh Voice by phone on Wednesday.

Earlier, the site was characterised by pungent fumes, crows, street children and garbage that had closed half of the road leading to Nyali.

"We appeal to the county to shift the collection point from this area. Why can't they convert this place to a market or a recreational park like Kibarani? They closed Kibarani and converted the site into a recreational park. Why can't they do the same for us?" said Tina Ochieng, a resident.

The VOK dumpsite in Nyali, Mombasa County, as pictured on March 27, 2024. (Photo: Mishi Gongo)

Another resident, Omar Athman, noted the health risks posed by having a collection point in a residential area.

"When the rainy season kicks in, Mwakirunge roads are impassable. What will happen then to the garbage that is brought here?"

The county blamed local garbage collectors, accusing them of careless dumping, which it said resulted in illegal dumping sites in the tourism hub.

Mombasa County, now governed by Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir, says, however, that measures have been taken to ensure the VOK dumpsite is not revived. They include providing trucks to carry the waste to Mwakirunge, the largest dumpsite in the county.

An unconfirmed report states that the national government has taken possession of the area and plans to construct affordable houses there.