Nairobi Chief Officer for Citizen Engagement and Customer Service, Geoffrey Mosiria, has threatened to revoke the licenses of private waste management companies found to be illegally dumping garbage at a site along Likoni Road that was previously shut down.
In a statement on Monday, December 8, Mosiria disclosed that he received a complaint from a business located near the illegal dumping site, prompting him to conduct a personal inspection that confirmed the resumption of unlawful waste disposal activities.
"Yesterday, I received a complaint from a company located next to the illegal dumping site along Likoni Road. They reported that after months of peace following the closure of the dumping site when I was serving as the Chief Officer for Environment the illegal activities had resumed," Mosiria stated.
Following the complaint, Mosiria visited the location to verify the allegations and discovered that illegal dumping operations had indeed restarted.
"I personally visited the site to confirm the report, and indeed, the dumping has started again. The area is heavily polluted, and the air quality alone is unsafe for human breathing," he revealed.
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The Chief Officer announced immediate action, stating he would escalate the matter to the Environment team for urgent intervention to ensure the site is permanently closed.
Mosiria warned that private waste service providers operating illegally at the site would face severe consequences, including the cancellation of their business licenses.
"I will also follow up on the cancellation of licenses for the private waste service providers involved, who are illegally dumping garbage at this site. We cannot allow anyone to disturb Nairobi residents in the name of earning a living," he declared.
In November, before Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja moved him from the Chief Officer for Environment position, Mosiria had launched a comprehensive crackdown on businesses operating illegally in residential neighborhoods.
This was on November 7, when he issued a stern warning directing such establishments to relocate to designated industrial zones or face enforcement action.
At the time, Mosiria specifically targeted illegal recycling facilities that had become health hazards to residents, particularly those involved in bottle recycling operating in residential areas.
"We are not saying you stop doing your business, but why block your neighbours? Please do the right thing so nobody bothers you. Do it from the right place, away from residential areas if it's harmful," Mosiria had stated in November.
He had warned that the county government would take decisive measures against illegal recycling facilities and other businesses in residential neighborhoods, emphasizing the need for environmental compliance.
"We shall be taking action against illegal recycling facilities in residential areas that have become health hazards to the people of Nairobi. Ensure that your facilities are environmentally compliant. This city is for all of us, and we must protect the well-being and peace of our residents," he declared at the time.
"If your business emits smoke, noise, foul smell, or any form of pollution, relocate to designated industrial zones. Let us work together to create a clean, safe, and healthy Nairobi for everyone.”
