Nairobi County Shuts Down Garage Disturbing Runda Residents

Nairobi County Chief Officer for Environment, Geoffrey Mosiria, has ordered the shutdown of a vehicle garage in Runda Estate and warned that anyone found operating there from tomorrow (Friday, August 8) will face arrest.

The move comes after repeated complaints from residents over excessive noise coming from the garage. Runda is one of Nairobi’s most upscale neighbourhoods.

In a statement on Thursday, August 7, Mosiria said he plans to deploy security personnel to monitor the site, enforce the closure, and block any access to the premises.

Chief Officer Environment of Nairobi County, Geoffrey Mosiria. /MPASHO

"I will deploy security officers who will survey these premises, and if operations continue tomorrow, we shall arrest and prosecute anyone who is found here. Every worker should carry all their belongings at home, and we will ensure that we close that gate completely," Mosiria said.

Mosiria stated that although the county government had issued several warning notices to the garage, the management failed to take any corrective measures.

"Today, we responded to complaints from residents in Runda about a motor vehicle garage that has been operating in the area and emitting excessive noise, disturbing the neighbourhood," he continued.

"We had previously issued a notice to the management, which they have not complied with. As a result, today we issued them with a notice to stop all operations immediately. Failure to comply will lead to arrests if they are found continuing operations."

The announcement comes as the county government ramps up efforts to crack down on environmental offenders as part of its drive to improve Nairobi’s cleanliness and overall environmental quality.

In a statement issued on Sunday, July 20, Geoffrey Mosiria revealed plans to launch an operation in Eastleigh and Pipeline, targeting tenants, landlords, and caretakers who neglect proper waste disposal by refusing to use or pay for the county's waste management services.

Mosiria warned that those arrested will not only face legal consequences but will also be required to personally clean their premises and transport the garbage to designated dumpsites at their own expense.

He added that widespread failure to pay for waste collection has significantly undermined the county's ability to deliver these services and compensate private contractors involved in waste management.

"The responsibility of the county government is to clean the main corridors and to ensure that the roads and the city in general are clean. But it is your responsibility to ensure that all the waste that you generate in the house is taken to the Dandora dumping site, which is the final disposal point," Mosiria said.

"If they don't pay for these services, how do you expect us to provide them? Because we need to repair and service our vehicles, and still pay people who are responsible for the services."