The new regulations form part of a broader initiative to tackle waste mismanagement and public nuisances in Nairobi, which has long faced environmental health challenges. The county has warned that failure to comply with these rules will result in enforcement actions, as outlined by the law
Nairobi County has introduced new measures aimed at enhancing cleanliness and order in the city, with matatu owners and hawkers now required to comply with strict guidelines to support ongoing cleaning operations. In a notice issued on Wednesday, Geoffrey Mosiria, the County Chief Officer for Environment, emphasized the need for collaboration from stakeholders in maintaining a cleaner, more orderly Nairobi.
Matatu owners are now required to vacate their designated stages during specific cleaning hours at night, allowing city staff to carry out thorough cleaning of key areas. The notice also mandates that hawkers remove their goods from the streets and lanes by 10 pm every day to make way for the cleaning operations. Mosiria explained that this directive was issued in response to ongoing challenges faced by cleaning teams, who have struggled to carry out their duties due to hawkers leaving their wares behind after trading hours.
“It has come to the attention of the Nairobi City County Government that many hawkers leave their wares and belongings in the streets and lanes, obstructing cleaning activities. You are hereby directed to remove all your belongings by 10 pm daily to allow cleaning teams to carry out their work effectively,” Mosiria said.
The new regulations form part of a broader initiative to tackle waste mismanagement and public nuisances in Nairobi, which has long faced environmental health challenges. The county has warned that failure to comply with these rules will result in enforcement actions, as outlined by the law.
The directive, which aligns with the Nairobi City County Solid Waste Management Act of 2015 and the Public Nuisance Act of 2021, also requires matatu operators to ensure their vehicles are clean and subscribe to licensed waste service providers. These steps are part of an effort to address waste management concerns within the transport sector.
Additionally, the county has asked matatu operators to refrain from unnecessary hooting and playing loud music, which have been frequent complaints from Nairobi residents. Owners of abandoned vehicles have also been instructed to remove their vehicles immediately to prevent further congestion.
Mosiria urged all stakeholders to work together to improve Nairobi’s image and build a more sustainable urban environment. “Let us collaborate to enhance Nairobi’s image and maintain a sustainable urban environment,” he stated.
Under the new regulations, hawkers who fail to remove their goods by the 10 pm deadline will face swift action, with any remaining items being treated as a public nuisance under the Nairobi City County Public Nuisance Act, 2021. “Any belongings found on lanes and streets past 10 pm will be disposed of without prior notice or consent,” Mosiria warned.
This directive follows the county’s earlier efforts to regulate hawking in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD). On January 9, the county government issued a public notice restricting hawking to backstreets and lanes from 4 pm to 10 pm, excluding major streets like Moi Avenue, Haile Selassie Avenue, and River Road. The notice also reminded the public that all walkways in the CBD are reserved for pedestrians and not for vending, warning of legal action for violators.
While these new regulations have sparked protests from hawkers, who see them as detrimental to their livelihoods, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing these changes. Despite the protests, the county government remains steadfast in its resolve to enhance the city’s cleanliness and order.
