City Affairs

Sakaja seeks police help to curb traffic congestion, illegal dumping in CBD

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja during a meeting with the National Government Nairobi Security team on March 7, 2024. (Photo: Nairobi County)

By Amina Wako | Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Sakaja emphasised the need for concerted efforts to address challenges such as illegal dumping, construction, encroachments, noise pollution, liquor licencing, drug control, traffic management and vandalism.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has urged the police to collaborate with his administration in a bid to restore order and cleanliness in the county.

During his initial meeting with National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) and the National Police Service (NPS) from Nairobi County on Monday, the governor conveyed his dissatisfaction with the conduct of contractors responsible for city cleaning, as they were found dumping waste along roads and in residential areas.

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"It is good to understand because they gain nothing by going all the way to Dandora. But they will go and dump at night in a field, or they will dump on the road so that they can do more trips. If we help each other with that, we will help make the city less dirty,” Sakaja said in a statement.

Acknowledging the significance of Nairobi as a global hub, Sakaja emphasised the need for concerted efforts to address challenges such as illegal dumping, construction, encroachments, noise pollution, liquor licencing, drug control, traffic management, vandalism, and the propagation of government policies at the grassroots level.

Despite his initial goal of governing a city of "order, dignity, hope, and opportunity for all," challenges persist two years into his first term.

Alignment

The governor underlined the importance of aligning Nairobi with other leading global cities to continue attracting business, investments, and tourism.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja during a meeting with the National Government Nairobi Security team on March 7, 2024. (Photo: Nairobi County)

The meeting that took place at the Kenya School of Government attended by county leadership and police officials led by Regional Police Commander Adamson Bungei, Regional Commissioner Katee Mwanza, and County Commissioner David Wanyonyi, addressed various issues affecting the city's functionality.

Sakaja announced plans for subsequent meetings and the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to guide operations at the sub-county level.

During the meeting, officials discussed the continued crackdown on drinking joints around public transport termini in Nairobi.

Governor Sakaja reiterated that the crackdown would persist until all outlets within Matatu Termini were closed to prevent accidents associated with alcohol.

"We will not lift the directive. Even licences come with conditions, hence the inspection after licencing," Sakaja said.

Authorities have so far shut down over 150 illegal liquor shops as part of the operation.