Nairobi County has been ordered to urgently address a growing waste crisis in Umoja after the Environment and Land Court directed authorities to clear all accumulated garbage within 135 days.
The ruling compels the county government to remove the waste and implement measures to curb illegal dumping in the densely populated residential area. The decision follows complaints from residents over health risks and environmental degradation linked to unchecked garbage disposal.
court orders cleanup as waste deal suspended
The court emphasized the need for immediate action, warning that failure to comply could result in further legal consequences. The order places accountability on Nairobi County officials to restore proper waste management systems.
Residents have raised concerns about poor sanitation, citing increased cases of respiratory illnesses and contamination risks. Environmental experts warn that prolonged exposure to unmanaged waste can lead to serious public health hazards.
In a related development, Commercial Court Judge Moses Ado barred Nairobi County from proceeding with a 25-year waste management contract awarded to Zoomlion Ghana Limited.
The deal involved the design, construction, operation and maintenance of an integrated solid waste management system. It has now been suspended pending further legal review.
The move raises questions about transparency and long-term planning in Nairobi waste management strategy, with stakeholders calling for greater accountability in public contracts.
Environmental groups and residents are pushing for sustainable solutions, including investment in recycling infrastructure, improved waste collection systems and stricter enforcement against illegal dumping.
Urban planners say the crisis reflects broader systemic challenges facing rapidly growing cities, where infrastructure struggles to keep pace with population growth.
With the 135-day deadline in place, attention now turns to whether Nairobi County can meet the court order and restore cleanliness in Umoja while developing a long-term waste management framework.
