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Boda boda riders decry dumping of garbage on Eastleigh streets at night

Boda boda operators at Decale stage along General Wairunge Road complaining about the overnight dumping. (Photo: (Charity Kilei)

By Charity Kilei | 01 May 2024

Boda boda operators in Eastleigh have expressed their frustration over the illegal dumping that occurs at night after everyone has left the area.

The operators who have their stage along General Waruinge Street claim that despite regular cleaning efforts, the next morning, the place is filled with trash, including food remains and miraa leftovers, which emit a strong odour, especially when it rains.

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John Orwa, a boda boda operator, explains that certain individuals are responsible for dumping garbage, particularly refuse from hotels and miraa and rotten fruits at night because there is no supervision at that hour.

"I believe that these individuals, including some street children and some manual labourers, are being paid minimal wages by hotel operators and other businesses to dump the waste. This is affecting our business," said John.

Speaking to The Eastleigh Voice, John stated that they had caught a few individuals at night and compelled them to pick up the trash. However, because they cannot remain there the entire night, the problem continues to persist.

Illegal dumping site around General Waruinge Street. (Photo: (Charity Kilei)

Denis Obina, another boda boda operator, said that they usually chase away those who attempt to dump trash during the day. However, once they leave in the evening, illegal dumping becomes rampant, affecting their business operations. He suggests having security guards at night to address this problem effectively.

"We've encountered situations where some individuals even use these areas as toilets. Those found are always compelled to clean up. However, they've become crafty, they wait for us to leave before dumping the trash," said Obina.

Gilbert Galo, another operator, said trash is usually dumped between 9pm and 3am, just before the boda boda operators arrive at the stage.

The boda boda operators suspect that the individuals responsible exploit intoxicated people or street children, who are not licensed, to carry out these illegal activities under the cover of darkness.

Illegal dumping site around General Waruinge Street. (Photo: (Charity Kilei)

Residents suspect the discarded waste originates from other areas, often concealed in gunny bags.

To combat the garbage issue, the Nairobi County government, the Mazingira Movement, and local community members launched a thorough cleanup campaign in Eastleigh in March.

The initiative kicked off on Muratina Road and extended to General Wariunge Street and Yusuf Haji Road.

However, after each cleanup effort, the roundabout inevitably becomes piled with trash again, perpetuating a cycle of cleanup that never seems to end.

A primary concern raised during this cleanup effort was the absence of suitable locations in Eastleigh for installing garbage bins and a proper place for dumping

Several leaders have voiced their concerns about the ongoing issue of dumping, with one of them being the Eastleigh South MCA Nicholas Okwacho.

Okwacho voiced his concerns, noting that uncollected garbage was obstructing sewer lines in his ward

He mentioned that pollution affects business operations and exposes numerous families to health hazards.

Okwacho emphasised the need for solutions in compliance with constitutional provisions and relevant waste management regulations.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja in March announced a renewed crackdown on illegal dumping sites, led by police officers and the county enforcement team.

This crackdown primarily targets private service providers who collect garbage but unlawfully dump it in various locations within Nairobi County, including roadsides, marketplaces, and residential areas.

Sakaja reiterated the county government's commitment to addressing the garbage menace within the city, aiming to foster a clean, orderly, and dignified environment.