NAIROBI, Kenya— Nairobi’s Green Army is back in action, and this time, they’re tackling more than just a mess.
Over the weekend, the county’s environmental cleanup crew descended on Stima Plaza in Ngara, following a recent dumping incident that left residents and workers fuming—quite literally.
Their mission? Restore sanitation, fumigate the area, and ensure the neighborhood is livable again.
Nairobi County workers have today started a clean-up at Stima Plaza. This comes days after City Hall disconnected the water supply to the premises and dumped garbage at the building’s entrance. On Thursday, the Ministry of Health directed City Hall to clean and sanitise the area.
But that’s just one part of the story. This operation also marked a significant breakthrough in the ongoing battle between Nairobi City County Government (NCCG) and Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) over a Sh4.8 billion wayleave dispute.
A Swift Response to an Environmental Mess
Early Saturday morning, Green Army personnel arrived, ready to clean up the aftermath of an unfortunate garbage-dumping incident near Stima Plaza.
As workers suited up, fumigating the building and surrounding streets, Public Health Chief Officer Tom Nyakaba made it clear: Nairobi’s sanitation efforts aren’t slowing down anytime soon.
“It is our duty to ensure that people live and work in a clean environment. Today, we are here at Stima Plaza to assure occupants that their surroundings are safe and hygienic,” Nyakaba stated.
The timing wasn’t accidental. Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni had earlier urged City Hall to step in, citing serious health risks associated with the waste.
The strong stench alone, she warned, could trigger respiratory diseases, putting both residents and businesses at risk.
More Than Just a Cleanup: A Political and Financial Breakthrough
While the cleanup was the immediate concern, the bigger picture was hard to ignore. For years, NCCG and KPLC have been locked in a billion-shilling standoff, arguing over unpaid wayleave fees and outstanding electricity bills.
That dispute had stalled crucial services, including water and sewer line maintenance—until now.
Governor Johnson Sakaja, following an intervention by the Head of Public Service, confirmed that he and Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi had reached an agreement to finally resolve the deadlock.
“We have agreed to take up the issue with the CS and find a lasting solution. Meanwhile, an unfortunate incident occurred where one of our trucks tipped garbage in the area. That was not the intention, and within 30 minutes, we had cleared it. We are investigating the matter internally,” Sakaja assured.
Green Army teams have already extended operations into residential estates, deploying water boozers with treated water to wash down roads and enhance overall cleanliness.
“This is part of an ongoing effort to clean up Nairobi in a coordinated manner,” Nyakaba emphasized. “Our teams are also deployed in various parts of the city today.”
