Nairobi County Chief Officer for Environment Geoffrey Mosiria has offered a cash reward to residents who help identify dustbin thieves in the city.
Mosiria said it was unfortunate that after the county reinstalled dustbins in the Central Business District (CBD), some individuals resorted to vandalising them and stealing parts of the facilities.
He stressed that the county government will not tolerate such acts, adding that measures will be fully enforced to safeguard the bins, which are meant for the benefit of all Kenyans.
“Anyone found stealing or vandalising them will face the full force of the law. Strict action will also be taken against scrap metal dealers who buy these stolen parts, as they are promoting the illegal activity,” he said.
Mosiria urged the public to help protect public utilities and keep the city clean and organised.
“If you see someone stealing these dustbins, hold them and call. I offer to give you Sh5,000. If you spot a metal dealer with the dustbins, call us and we shall give you Sh10,000,” he said.
He noted that people are targeting the inner metallic parts of the bins to sell to scrap dealers.
According to Mosiria, the rewards will come from his personal salary to help maintain a cleaner and safer Nairobi.
He added that several litter bins have already been stolen and vandalised.
The Environment CEC said the county has also launched a crackdown on street families allegedly being used to vandalise the dustbins.
"We are going to arrest the street families used to steal the bins, and after that, we will pursue the individuals who are sending them," he said.
In May, the Nairobi County Government launched the installation of large, user-friendly dustbins across the CBD, reaffirming its commitment to a clean city.
Green Nairobi CEC Maureen Njeri confirmed the initiative, highlighting its significance after a coordinated clean-up exercise led by the county’s Green Army.
“Cleanliness is a collective responsibility. As the Green Army continues with their commendable efforts, let’s also play our part by not littering,” Njeri said.
She added that the project began in the CBD and will later expand into residential estates.
The new bins—sleek black containers branded with the slogan “Let’s Make Nairobi Clean” and decorated in county colours—are now visible along major streets and highways in the city centre.
