Nairobi County is urging landlords to take responsibility after a late-night patrol revealed just how dangerous careless waste disposal can be for ordinary families.
Chief Officer for Environment Geoffrey Mosiria was making his usual rounds on Monday, November 18, when something unusual caught his attention a thick column of smoke rising above a quiet residential estate. Curious and concerned, he followed the trail.
“As I walked closer, the smell hit me before I even saw the fire,” Mosiria said. “There was a pile of garbage burning right inside the compound, and the smoke was drifting into people’s houses. From the ash on the ground, I could tell this wasn’t the first time.”
For families living nearby, that smoke was more than just a nuisance it was a health threat. Children, the elderly, and people with asthma or breathing difficulties are especially vulnerable. “This kind of smoke makes their lives so much harder,” Mosiria added.
The security guard responsible for the fire left with only a warning, but Mosiria didn’t mince words: landlords and property managers will face much stiffer action if such incidents continue under their watch.
The Nairobi County Air Quality Act of 2021 clearly outlaws the open burning of waste without authorization. Violators risk a hefty fine of at least Ksh500,000 or six months in jail. Industries get hit even harder, with penalties starting at Ksh1 million or up to two years behind bars.
The rules exist for good reason. Burning waste especially plastics releases toxic fumes that can harm entire communities. And in crowded neighborhoods, even a small fire can quickly turn into a dangerous emergency.
This incident comes as Mosiria intensifies efforts to curb illegal dumping by rogue Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) and Private Service Providers (PSPs). Some groups continue sneaking waste into sites that the county has already shut down for being unsafe, putting nearby residents at risk yet again.
“We cannot allow practices that put our people in harm’s way,” Mosiria said, emphasizing the county’s commitment to keeping Nairobi’s neighborhoods clean, safe, and healthy for everyone.
