Nairobi Launches Large Scale Coordinated Clean Up Exercise in Central Business District

Nairobi County officials have launched a coordinated large-scale cleaning exercise within the. Central Business District, as part of an intensified push to modernize waste collection across the capital. The operation, which commenced on Sunday night, saw Governor Johnson Sakaja join the county environment team and members of the 4,000-strong Green Army to clear debris and scrub primary pedestrian walkways.

The initiative marks a shift from routine daily maintenance to a more structured, coordinated approach. Maureen Njeri, the County Executive Committee Member for Green Nairobi, stated that this exercise represents the beginning of a broader transformation in how the city handles solid waste. According to the department, the focus is transitioning from simple collection to a more comprehensive disposal and repurposing strategy.

The county intends to upscale waste management operations in the coming weeks by establishing an integrated solid waste management system. This development follows an announcement that the tender for the city’s integrated garbage management programme has been finalized. Implementation of the new system is scheduled to begin on April 1, 2026.

Current data from the environment department indicates that the city collects over three tonnes of garbage daily. Under the new framework, the county plans to partner with the national government to repurpose this waste into useful products such as fertilizer and electricity. A treatment plant is currently under construction at the Dandora dumpsite to facilitate this energy recovery and transition starting next year.

During the overnight exercise, Nairobi Central MCA Mwaniki Kwenya emphasized that maintaining city infrastructure and cleanliness is a shared responsibility. He noted that while the county provides the labor and equipment for these large-scale interventions, businesses and residents must maintain their immediate workspaces and walkways to prevent the clogging of drainage systems and the accumulation of litter.

The clean-up drive coincides with broader urban renewal efforts in the capital, including the Nairobi River Regeneration Programme and the ongoing Phase Three of the CBD facelift. These projects involve the installation of new pedestrian barriers, Victorian-style LED street lighting, and advanced cabro paving to improve the durability of city surfaces.

County officials confirmed that these coordinated intensive cleaning sessions will now be rolled out monthly across all sub-counties and wards. The goal is to involve local stakeholders and ensure that the improved urban environment is protected through community participation. The administration has also recently integrated 24 new refuse compact trucks into the fleet to enhance the efficiency of waste evacuation from the city center to disposal sites.