Some Githurai, Roysambu Landlords Could Be Arrested Next Week: Here's Why
Landlords have been given a seven-day notice, with arrests set to begin next week for those who fail to comply.
Marvin Chege 
The Nairobi County government has launched a crackdown in Githurai 44 as well as Roysambu Constituency, targeting landlords and traders involved in discharging or enabling the release of raw sewage into open spaces.
In a statement on Thursday, August 28, County Environment Chief Officer Geoffrey Mosiria revealed that landlords have been given a seven-day notice, with arrests set to begin next week for those who fail to comply.
He further stated that anyone arrested will face legal action from the county government. Additionally, Mosiria noted that vendors who have put up structures on drainage systems — causing blockages — have been issued with vacate notices.
Chief Officer Environment of Nairobi County, Geoffrey Mosiria. /GEOFFREY MOSIRIA
"Today, together with our Environmental Officer in Githurai 44, Roysambu Constituency, and joined by the area MCA, we responded to the deteriorating state of the environment in the area. Raw sewage and waste were flowing openly, while drainage systems had been completely blocked by vendors who had erected illegal structures on them," Mosiria stated.
Mosiria further noted that the discharge of raw sewage not only makes the area unsightly but also puts residents—especially children—at high risk of contracting waterborne diseases and other health complications.
"It is also unfortunate that some landlords have also directed their sewer lines into the open drainage system, worsening the situation and exposing the public to serious health risks, we collected the garbage and issued notices to the vendors to vacate the drainage corridors as it will allow us to fully open up and restore the drainage system, ensuring proper stormwater flow and a cleaner, healthier environment for residents," he added.
The announcement follows a similar crackdown launched a month ago in Pipeline Estate, targeting landlords, caretakers, and tenants who disregard waste management regulations.
Mosiria explained that some residents and property owners in these estates neglect to pay for waste collection services, which hinders the county’s capacity to deliver the services and compensate private contractors who help manage waste.
He added that any tenants or landlords caught engaging in illegal dumping will be arrested and compelled to cover the costs of cleaning their premises and transporting the waste to designated dumping sites.
"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 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? We need to repair and service our vehicles, and still pay people who are responsible for the services."
