Nairobi records progress as SafishaKaNairo clean-up drive restores order in waste hotspots

Nairobi is recording visible improvements in sanitation across several waste hotspots following intensified clean-up operations under the “SafishaKaNairo” initiative, which is targeting estates, informal settlements, and public spaces across the city.

The ongoing campaign is being implemented in partnership with Zoomlion Kenya, which is leading large-scale waste evacuation and environmental restoration in areas that have historically faced persistent garbage accumulation.

Key areas including Korogocho, Mathare, Kibra, Dagoretti, Embakasi, Kasarani, Kamukunji, and Ruaraka have seen stepped-up clean-up activities, with waste removal and clearing of illegal dumping sites underway.

County officials, speaking to the press, said the intervention is beginning to restore order in neighbourhoods that had experienced mounting waste pressure due to population density and service demand.

“This programme is helping us restore cleanliness in high-density areas and improve the overall living environment for residents,” officials said.

Environmental and sanitation stakeholders note that improved waste evacuation plays a key role in reducing environmental risks and enhancing public health conditions in urban communities.

They add that consistent clean-up efforts also support better drainage flow, reduced flooding risks, and improved hygiene in densely populated settlements.

The initiative is also being implemented under a Public-Private Partnership model, with Zoomlion Kenya providing operational support while the county government coordinates service delivery across targeted zones.

Residents in several of the cleaned-up areas have welcomed the efforts, noting visible reductions in garbage piles and improved access to public spaces.

Authorities say the campaign will continue across additional hotspots as part of a broader plan to sustain urban cleanliness and promote environmental responsibility among residents.

They have also urged communities to support the gains by avoiding illegal dumping and participating in local sanitation efforts to maintain cleaner neighbourhoods.