Nairobi County Askaris Ordered To Arrest Kamagera & Matatu Touts

The Nairobi County government has announced new measures it plans to implement in its bid to restore order in the city's Central Business District (CBD).

In its ongoing crackdown on noise pollution in areas of the county which include the CBD, county askaris have been deployed with instructions to arrest matatu touts and kamageras who shout and create disturbances while attempting to persuade customers to board their vehicles to different destinations.

This was announced on Wednesday, January 22 by Nairobi County Chief Officer for Environment, Geoffrey Mosiria, who urged the touts and kamageras to cease their disruptive behaviour in the city, or else!

"We have strategically stationed our county askaris so that they can arrest those making noise in town, including matatu touts and kamageras shouting along the streets," Mosiria explained.

Earlier, Mosiria directed matatu operators to vacate stages during designated cleaning hours at night to allow county staff to conduct thorough cleaning without interference. Operators are also mandated to maintain the cleanliness of their vehicles and to partner with licensed waste management providers for proper waste disposal.  

In addition to waste management, the Chief Officer called for an immediate end to unnecessary hooting and the use of loud music, both of which contribute significantly to noise pollution in the city. 

Mosiria also emphasized the urgency of removing abandoned vehicles that have been left in public spaces, which not only obstruct movement but also contribute to environmental degradation. 

The county government pointed out that matatu stages are frequently occupied throughout the night, which hampers cleaning operations, while abandoned vehicles and improper waste disposal have worsened the environmental challenges facing Nairobi. To tackle these issues, the government is urging all operators to adhere to these directives and cooperate in fostering a more sustainable urban environment.  

"Compliance with these directives is crucial in creating a clean and orderly city. Let us collaborate to enhance Nairobi’s image and maintain a sustainable urban environment," the notice read. Mosiria warned that failure to follow these measures will attract strict enforcement actions.

The measures also extend to shop owners who play loud music with DJs in their premises, with Mosiria outlining that the noise disrupts normal activities in the city and causes disturbances to nearby businesses and schools within the CBD.

Shop owners will also be responsible for sweeping around their premises in the county government's bid to keep the CBD clean. Those who fail to do so will be arrested. "We gave all shop owners a notice: make sure you sweep a 10-metre radius. If not, you will be arrested and taken to court to explain why you are not following the county's directives," he stated.

Mosiria also criticised Nairobi residents for blaming the county government for the city’s uncleanliness, arguing that they were not adhering to the policies necessary to maintain cleanliness. 

According to him, it should be the responsibility of every individual to safeguard and improve the quality of the city since the Nairobi County government states that residents are entitled to a clean and healthy environment.

Matatus entering Nairobi CBD. /FILE