Landlords Face Hefty Fines as Nairobi Enforces Ban on Open-Air Burning of Waste
Nairobi County has issued a strong warning to landlords and property managers over the illegal burning of waste, highlighting the serious health and legal implications for offenders.
Chief Officer for the Environment, Geoffrey Mosiria, spoke out on Monday, November 17, after a security guard was caught setting fire to waste within a residential compound in one of the city’s estates. The act violated the Nairobi County Air Quality Act of 2021, which explicitly prohibits open burning of waste unless authorised by the relevant authorities.
“The smoke entering people’s houses poses serious health risks,” Mosiria said. “Children are affected the most, and for individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions, this only worsens their situation.”
According to the Act, individuals found burning waste without approval are liable to a fine of no less than Ksh500,000, a minimum of six months’ imprisonment, or both. Mosiria revealed that he was alerted to the incident during a routine patrol when he noticed a large plume of smoke. Upon inspection, he discovered the security guard had ignited a heap of waste, generating dense, potentially hazardous fumes that drifted into neighbouring homes.
Evidence at the scene suggested the activity was not a one-off. “I also found signs that this had occurred previously—the dry ash around the area confirmed it,” Mosiria added.
While the security guard received a warning, the County Government made it clear that repeat offences or non-compliance by landlords, property managers, or their agents would trigger more severe enforcement measures.
Burning waste, particularly in residential areas, is strictly prohibited due to the significant air pollution it generates. Fires often involve plastics, which emit toxic fumes when burned, and small uncontrolled fires in estates can easily escalate into larger fire incidents.
Industrial entities face even stiffer penalties, including fines of no less than Ksh1 million or imprisonment for up to two years for violations of air quality standards.
In recent months, Mosiria has also intensified action against rogue Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) and Private Service Providers (PSPs) accused of dumping waste at illegal sites. Despite the County Government closing some sites deemed unfit for waste disposal, certain CBOs and PSPs continue to deposit waste illegally, compromising the health and wellbeing of nearby residents.
Nairobi County authorities have urged landlords, security personnel, and the general public to adhere strictly to environmental regulations to safeguard public health and prevent potential fire hazards.
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Landlords Face Hefty Fines as Nairobi Enforces Ban on Open-Air Burning of Waste