Nairobi County has given traders and property owners in Eastleigh a one-week notice to clean up drainage systems within 10 metres of their premises or face significant penalties. The directive, issued on Monday, October 20, 2025, by Geoffrey Mosiria, the Chief Officer for Environment, aims to address rampant environmental pollution and improve sanitation in the densely populated commercial area.

Failure to comply with the directive could result in fines of up to KSh 200,000, business permit revocations, or legal prosecution under the Nairobi City County Solid Waste Management Act, 2015. This legislation mandates all property owners and occupants to maintain cleanliness in and around their premises.

Historical and Political Context

Eastleigh, a vibrant commercial centre, has long grappled with issues of waste management and blocked drainage, leading to frequent flooding during the rainy seasons. The county government has previously conducted clean-up operations, but these efforts have often been undermined by continued unlawful dumping by some residents and traders.

Chief Officer Mosiria has been at the forefront of various environmental initiatives across Nairobi. He was recognised as Kenya's Best Chief Officer at the StarLeaders Awards in March 2025 for his dedication to environmental conservation and sustainable waste management. His efforts include crackdowns on illegal dumping by Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) and Private Service Providers (PSPs), as well as inspections of hotels and businesses in the Central Business District (CBD) for improper waste disposal.

Laws, Policy, and Governance

The Nairobi City County Solid Waste Management Act, 2015, forms the legal backbone of this directive. The Act outlines the responsibilities of property owners and occupants in maintaining a clean environment and prescribes penalties for non-compliance. Specifically, it requires property owners to ensure cleanliness within a 10-meter radius of their premises, particularly around drainage systems.

The county's renewed focus on Eastleigh aligns with broader efforts to enhance environmental health and sustainability in Nairobi. The Nairobi City County Government is also developing an Air Quality Action Plan (2025-2029) and has established a robust framework, including the Air Quality Act of 2022, to manage air pollution and promote preventive measures.

Stakeholders and Testimonies

Mosiria has lamented that many business owners in Eastleigh have converted drainage channels into dumping sites, exacerbating blockages and flooding. He has consistently urged residents and business owners to take responsibility for their surroundings, emphasising that environmental protection is a shared duty.

Previous spot checks by local media have revealed that many traders in Eastleigh dump waste into drainage systems, posing significant health risks to the public. Residents have expressed relief and gratitude for clean-up interventions, highlighting the long-standing challenges posed by inefficient drainage.

Risks and Implications

Non-compliance with the county's directive carries severe consequences, including fines of up to KSh 200,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both, depending on the severity of the offence. More serious or repeated violations could lead to the closure of premises and revocation of business permits.

Beyond legal repercussions, continued illegal dumping and blocked drainage systems contribute to recurrent flooding, disrupt businesses, and pose significant public health risks. The inadequate and outdated drainage infrastructure, designed for a much smaller population, further compounds these challenges.

What to Watch

The Nairobi County government will deploy inspection teams to monitor compliance after the one-week grace period. Traders and property owners in Eastleigh should expect stringent enforcement measures, including impromptu inspections. The effectiveness of this renewed crackdown will depend on sustained enforcement and a shift in public behaviour towards responsible waste management.