Nairobi cracks down on littering and spitting in CBD as new dustbins rolled out
The initiative follows what the county described as “the unfortunate theft of previously installed bins”, which had hampered the city’s efforts to maintain cleanliness and order.
Kenyans have been reminded that littering or spitting in public spaces within Nairobi’s central business district (CBD) will no longer be tolerated, with offenders facing arrest and prosecution under the capital city’s by-laws.
The Nairobi City County Government issued the warning as it officially commenced the installation of new dustbins across the CBD, with full coverage expected within the next week.
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The initiative follows what the county described as “the unfortunate theft of previously installed bins”, which had hampered the city’s efforts to maintain cleanliness and order.
“These dustbins belong to the people of Nairobi, and it is our collective responsibility to protect them from vandalism, particularly by individuals who steal and sell public property to scrap metal dealers,” Nairobi City County Chief Officer for Environment Geoffrey Mosiria said.
To prevent further vandalism and theft, Mosiria said officers would be deployed to guard the dustbins day and night.
He made it “categorically clear” that “anyone found littering or spitting in public spaces will face arrest and prosecution, in line with existing county by-laws.”
He specifically noted that individuals who spit phlegm (sputum) on the ground instead of using a handkerchief or tissue would not be spared.
“Such behaviour is both unhygienic and unacceptable in a modern, clean city,” he said.
Mosiria also clarified that the new bins are meant strictly for pedestrians and not for hawkers, vendors or business owners.
“Anyone found disposing of commercial waste in these public bins will also be arrested and prosecuted, as this creates illegal dumping sites and undermines our efforts to keep the city clean,” he warned.
He urged all Nairobi residents and visitors to take pride in protecting and maintaining public assets.
“Let us embrace responsible waste management and reject any form of misuse or impunity. Together, let’s keep Nairobi clean, orderly, and dignified,” he said.
Last year, the Nairobi County Assembly passed a motion requiring all businesses to install dustbins on their premises.
The measure, championed by Nairobi West MCA Rex Omolleh, aimed to tackle litter in public spaces and foster a cleaner urban environment.
“This is a straightforward but essential step,” Omolleh said, urging business owners to comply.
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“Having a dustbin on your premises is now mandatory. Let’s take pride in a cleaner, more organised Nairobi.”
The motion called for strict enforcement of Section 22 of the Nairobi City County Solid Waste Management Act, 2015, a provision that has long existed but has seen little implementation.
However, few business owners complied with the directive.
The Nairobi County Assembly Speaker, Kennedy Okeyo Ng’ondi, stressed that the mandate aligns with Article 42 of the Kenyan Constitution, which guarantees every citizen the right to a clean and healthy environment.
“These laws are supposed to make the county a better place for residents,” Ng’ondi said then, highlighting the health risks posed by uncollected waste.
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