Nairobi was once referred to as the "Green City in the Sun" owing to its green and healthy environment, clean rivers, and giant forest cover. However, the city lost its mojo due to expansion, poor environmental conservation, and human activity.
Geoffrey Mosiria, the Nairobi County Chief Officer for Environment, is keen to restore the city's old status by streamlining environmental and sanitation practices.
Who is Mosiria?
Not much is known about his childhood and early life; however, according to his LinkedIn profile, he is an alumnus of the University of Nairobi, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce in 2014 and a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) in 2018.
Between 2013 and 2022, he was an administrator at Pumwani Maternity, Mbagathi, and Mama Lucy Kibaki hospitals.
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Mosiria Health Chief Officer
After being elected Nairobi Governor in the August 2022 general election, Johnson Sakaja formed his government and named Mosiria as Chief Officer for Health.
As Nairobi's Health Chief Officer, Mosiria was credited with unveiling the first Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and establishing a new Renal Unit, a blood bank, and a children's playground, Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital.
He's also credited with overseeing the installation of modern elevators and a new generator at Pumwani Maternity Hospital, among other achievements.
In August 2024, he was among the officers who were reshuffled as Sakaja made changes to his team. Mosiria was moved from the health to environment docket.
Mosiria Environment Chief Officer
Immediately after assuming office, Mosiria hit the ground running. He made impromptu visits to various places in the city, such as Muthurwa Market, one of the largest fresh produce markets in Nairobi, to establish how garbage collection works.
He then addressed the issue of garbage within the CBD, noting that the county is cleaning and removing waste from the City center, after which anyone found dumping waste at non-designated points will be dealt with accordingly.
"As the county government we are going to do our part by cleaning all the waste and anyone who will be found dumping or littering, we shall take legal action including arresting them and ensuring they face the full force of the law. We cannot allow our city to be turned into a slum by few individuals who don't value the importance of having a city of order and dignity," he said.
On 16 August 2024, Mosiria became the talk of the town after he exposed dirty and unhealthy spaces where snacks were prepared for unsuspecting Nairobi residents.
In a video shared on his Facebook account, Mosiria showcased how some city traders prepare snacks they sell across the city in dirty spaces, using filthy equipment, and recycled unclean oil.
On 19 August 2024, Mosiria, together with a team from the county, conducted an operation where 30 people were nabbed urinating in the CBD; the suspects were presented in court and sentenced to community service.
"In a move to clean and make our city green, yesterday 30 people were arrested urinating in CBD. The court has given them a community service order to clean our Nairobi funeral home (city mortuary). We must keep our environment clean," he posted.
He's also been doing random inspection walks and cautioning traders and business establishments against contravening set policies in the city.
Nairobi residents hope that the energy and vigor he's started his tenure with will be maintained throughout his time at the Environment docket. Hopefully, Nairobi will move closer to or regain its status as the "Green City in the Sun."
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