Sakaja flags off 24 garbage trucks in effort to boost city's cleanliness

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja yesterday flagged off 24 new refuse compactor trucks at City Hall in efforts to improve waste management across the city.

The trucks, which will be deployed immediately, are expected to enhance garbage collection in the Central Business District (CBD), main corridors, and key markets.

"These 24 trucks will play a critical role in ensuring efficient garbage collection. With their deployment, the work begins immediately," Sakaja announced.

Addressing the waste management team, Sakaja called on them to fully utilise the new trucks and meet Nairobians' expectations for a cleaner city.

"Our residents demand service delivery, and we cannot afford to fail. Let us make use of these resources to maintain a clean and healthy environment," he said.

Sakaja, who was joined by Green Nairobi CEC Maureen Njeri, sought to reaffirm his administration's commitment to making Nairobi one of the cleanest cities in Africa.

"Just two days ago, over 3,500 Green Army members took part in cleaning efforts across the county. Cleanliness is next to godliness. We cannot thrive in a dirty environment, and that is why we must ensure our markets, streets, and estates are spotless. Let us do what is necessary," he urged.

The governor also announced plans to establish Green Nairobi Company Limited, a new parastatal dedicated to maintaining the city's cleanliness. Modeled after Nairobi Water, the company will operate independently to ensure consistent funding and streamlined operations.

"This entity will bring efficiency and accountability to waste management. Garbage collectors will remain part of the system but will follow new procedures designed to enhance effectiveness," Sakaja explained.

Last year, Cotu Secretary General Francis Atwoli lambasted Governor Sakaja for presiding over the degeneration of Nairobi into "one of the filthiest" cities in the world.

"These two governors (Mombasa's Ab Abdulswamad Nassir and Sakaja) are incompetent; they have failed to clean the garbage out of the cities. Let them clean off all the garbage if they want to be considered serious," said Atwoli.