Nairobi County Chief Officer for Environment Geoffrey Mosiria says it is unacceptable and unlawful to keep animals in residential areas. /GEOFFREY MOSIRIA/XWhat should be an ordinary residential street has slowly turned into a makeshift livestock holding area in the Kiamaiko neighbourhood, where some families now keep their windows shut to avoid the stench.
Nairobi County Chief Officer for Environment Geoffrey Mosiria has termed the situation unacceptable and unlawful, raising concern over what he describes as a growing trend of some residents keeping livestock within densely populated estates.
He noted that while urban farming is permitted in designated areas, keeping animals in compact residential spaces can affect the comfort and welfare of neighbours.
“We must restore order, protect every city resident and at the same time guide our farmers on proper and sustainable farming practices. Nairobi must remain a clean, organised and healthy place for all,” he said.
In Kiamaiko, one resident is seen in a video posted on Mosiria’s X account, allegedly keeping sheep and goats by the roadside outside her home. The resident was not present when he visited the area.
“How can someone conduct animal farming while exposing city residents to such levels of pollution, forcing families to suffer inside their own homes?” Mosiria asked.
In the video, Mosiria is heard calling the livestock owner and issuing a one-week ultimatum to relocate the animals.
“Hii wanyama wananuka vibaya (These animals smell),” he said. “Sasa nakupatia siku saba utafute suluhisho, la sivyo tutakuja na maafisa wetu wa department of agriculture tu-impound hawa wanyama…,” he added, stating that the animals would be impounded until an appropriate location is found.
Nairobi law allows residents to keep animals only under strict licensing and welfare requirements.
The Nairobi City County Dog Control and Welfare Act, 2015 permits dog ownership under licence, while the proposed Nairobi City County Animal Control and Welfare Bill, 2024 seeks to provide clearer regulations on keeping other pets such as cats.
These provisions, together with the national Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, require owners to provide proper care, shelter and responsible handling.
For livestock farming, individuals are required to apply for land allocation through the government’s eCitizen portal under the Ministry of Lands and Housing.
All livestock must be registered under the owner’s name to facilitate veterinary services such as vaccination and artificial insemination.
It is an offence to keep unregistered animals, maintain an unlicensed dog, or keep bees in an unregistered apiary.
Livestock keepers may also face penalties under public disturbance laws if their animals are not adequately controlled.
Cattle herders who allow their animals to cause disturbances in the CBD face fines of up to Sh70,000 or imprisonment for two to five months.
Pet owners are similarly bound by noise-control regulations, including penalties for dogs that bark excessively.
Mosiria urged residents to familiarise themselves with the relevant laws, saying neighbours in Kiamaiko may not have been aware of the regulations governing livestock and pet ownership.
“We don’t allow animals by the roadside or in close proximity to homes. The smell here is not good for the people,” he told the livestock owner over the phone.
