Nairobi choking in litter linked to festive celebrations

Nairobi city has been left choking in litter following the festive period, raising questions on the civic responsibility of residents during these important celebrations.

Residents says that this is “the way things are” in Nairobi during the festive period.

The downtown areas of the capital; River Road, Bus Station, Uyoma Street, Ronald Ngala, Ukulima market area, Landhis Road and the nearby Muthurwa market are largely unrecognisable.

Used polythene wrappers and boxes that once covered sweets, yoghurt, crisps, biscuits and left over food have taken over the streets of Nairobi. There are empty plastic bottles at every turn. One can tell that it will take a lot of effort and time to restore it to good order.

“Nairobi needs dedicated environmental police, officers dedicated to the task of ensuring that the city is clean all the time. It is sad to see the capital in this terrible state of disorder,” says Nelius Mwajuma, a resident of Kilelelshwa.

Nelius says that the festivities should not be an excuse to litter our city.

“You can have fun, enjoy the festive period, but let’s do it within the borders of responsibility,” says Nelius who often carries little litter home, whenever she cannot find a dustbin, saying it’s something Kenyans should embrace.

Felix Okwach who works in Nairobi as a hawker says many people are to blame.

“It’s hawkers like myself, other roadside traders, touts, pedestrians and people at home who should take responsibility to keep the city clean. Our children are littering because that is what they see adults do,” says Okwach – adding that litter and garbage management should be a combined effort.

Sections of Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) have undergone facelift – with most of the pavements and walkways carpeted and lighted. These include Moi Avenue, Ronald Ngala, City Hall Way, Haile Selassie Avenue and Tom Mboya Street among others. However, this will amount to nothing if littering continues.

Residents want littering and garbage tackled, ruthlessly; those found littering should be fined and where possible, to do some community work involving cleaning the environment.

Nairobi has a population of five million people or thereabout, and generates over 3,000 tonnes of waste daily. It worsens during festivities.