NAIROBI, Kenya — Nairobi County has announced a Sh50,000 cash reward for information leading to the arrest of individuals stealing newly installed litter bins and scrap metal dealers purchasing the stolen property, as the county intensifies efforts to curb vandalism of public infrastructure.
In a statement issued on Sunday, December 28, Nairobi County Chief Officer for Citizen Engagement and Customer Service, Geoffrey Mosiria, said the reward targets both the perpetrators and the scrap dealers allegedly fueling the thefts across several estates in the capital.
“I am hereby offering a cash reward of Sh50,000 to anyone who will provide credible information leading to the identification and arrest of any scrap metal dealer buying these stolen litter bins, as well as the individuals stealing them,” Mosiria said.
“Once the culprit is arrested, the informant will receive the reward.”
Mosiria noted that a significant number of litter bins recently installed by the county government have been stolen and sold as scrap, undermining efforts to improve waste management and environmental cleanliness in residential areas.
“Residents requested for these litter bins, and as a county government, we provided them to promote cleanliness and environmental responsibility,” he said. “It is unacceptable and shameful that the same facilities are now being stolen by people who are well known to us, while others choose to remain silent and protect thieves who are stealing public property.”
The chief officer warned that those involved in the theft and resale of the bins would face legal action, vowing that the county would pursue both the thieves and the scrap dealers benefiting from the crime.
“This is a final warning to all thieves and scrap metal dealers involved in this criminal activity. Your days are numbered. We will pursue you, arrest you, and ensure you face the full force of the law,” Mosiria said.
The theft of public amenities has been a recurring challenge for Nairobi County, with vandalism often blamed for stalled service delivery and increased maintenance costs. County officials say the loss of litter bins has contributed to illegal dumping and poor waste management in some neighbourhoods.
Mosiria’s announcement comes weeks after he threatened to revoke the licenses of private waste management companies accused of illegally dumping garbage at a site along Likoni Road that had previously been closed.
On December 8, Mosiria said he received a complaint from a nearby business, prompting him to personally inspect the site, where he confirmed that unlawful dumping had resumed. He said the matter was escalated to the county’s environment team for urgent action.
“I will also follow up on the cancellation of licenses for the private waste service providers involved, who are illegally dumping garbage at this site,” he said at the time. “We cannot allow anyone to disturb Nairobi residents in the name of earning a living.”
The county government has urged residents to cooperate with authorities by reporting vandalism and illegal dumping, saying public participation is key to protecting shared infrastructure and maintaining a clean city.
