Nairobi County will begin arresting both tenants and landlords in Pipeline Estate who are found culpable of illegal garbage dumping and wastewater discharge.
In a statement on Sunday, August 3, Nairobi County Chief Officer for Environment Geoffrey Mosiria revealed that residents who continue to flout environmental laws will face arrest and prosecution.
"This coming week, we shall resume the cleaning exercise along the roads in Pipeline area, including backfilling sections of the road that were damaged due to wastewater discharge and illegal dumping of garbage by residents," he said.
Mosiria blamed persistent environmental degradation in the area on residents and landlords who ignore repeated calls to dispose of waste properly and maintain clean surroundings.
The county minister noted that making arrests will be the only way to deal with illegal dumping within estates in the area.
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“Despite previous warnings, some tenants continue to dispose of waste illegally, with landlords turning a blind eye. Moving forward, we shall arrest both tenants and landlords found responsible for illegal dumping.
"This is the only way to restore order, uphold the law, and ensure our city remains clean and livable for all,” he added.
This comes two weeks after Mosiria warned that Kenyans who buy goods from hawkers operating in undesignated areas within Nairobi CBD will henceforth be arrested and prosecuted.
In a statement on Thursday, July 24, he announced that action against hawking in undesignated areas will no longer target hawkers alone.
Mosiria stated that Kenyans who buy from hawkers operating in undesignated areas will be treated as law offenders, as they are actively encouraging and sustaining illegal activity.
"Enforcement will no longer be limited to the hawkers alone. Those who knowingly purchase goods from hawkers operating in prohibited areas will also be treated as law offenders, as they are actively encouraging and sustaining illegal activity.
"Just as selling in undesignated areas is unlawful, so too is knowingly supporting that illegality. This principle is not unique to our city or Kenya," he stated.
Morisia claimed that hawking in undesignated areas has increasingly contributed to illegal dumping, blocked walkways, and compromised the aesthetic and functional order of our city.
He also pointed out that the Nairobi City County Public Nuisance Act provides for the prosecution of individuals who abet unlawful practices, including trading in unauthorized spaces.
"Therefore, as part of our renewed commitment to restore order, cleanliness, and dignity to our city, the county government will begin arresting and prosecuting both hawkers who operate illegally and customers who support them in defiance of city regulations," he added.
