Nairobi’s ‘Green Army’ to Lead Crackdown on Illegal Dumping

Nairobi, Kenya – Nairobi County’s Chief Officer of Environment, Geoffrey Mosiria, has announced a renewed offensive against illegal dumping in the capital, promising stricter enforcement and greater community engagement to keep the city clean.

Speaking at City Park after confirming 3,500 environmental workers – popularly known as the “Green Army” – as permanent and pensionable employees, Mosiria said the teams will be deployed across the county to shut down unauthorised dumpsites and lead public education campaigns on proper waste disposal.

“Now that the governor has put you on permanent and pensionable terms, the work begins now. In the community, you will be responsible for educating the people of Nairobi on the importance of cleanliness,” Mosiria told the workers.

Round-the-Clock Cleanliness Push

Mosiria urged Governor Johnson Sakaja to approve Sunday night clean-ups in the Central Business District, emphasising the need for Nairobi to maintain high sanitation standards 24/7. He argued that consistent, around-the-clock efforts are essential to transforming the city’s image and ensuring waste does not accumulate in high-traffic areas.

Health and Safety for Workers

Acknowledging the health risks faced by environmental teams, Mosiria called for immediate Hepatitis A and B vaccinations for the workforce, noting their daily exposure to potentially contaminated waste. Protecting the Green Army’s health, he said, is vital to sustaining an effective cleaning force.

Institutional Changes Ahead

The crackdown on illegal dumping is part of broader plans to launch the Green Nairobi Company, a semi-autonomous agency modelled on Nairobi Water, that will oversee all cleanliness and sanitation services in the city. The move is aimed at creating a more accountable, better-funded, and more efficient structure for waste management.

A Cleaner City in Sight

Mosiria expressed confidence that with stronger enforcement, public cooperation, and proper resource allocation, illegal dumping could be eliminated entirely from Nairobi’s neighbourhoods. The initiative, he said, is not only about cleaner streets but also about restoring civic pride and improving public health in the capital.