Nairobi County has issued a stern warning to hawkers and business owners operating in the Central Business District (CBD): the newly installed dustbins are not for commercial waste.

Chief Environment Officer Geoffrey Mosiria made the announcement on Sunday, May 18, during the official rollout of the project aimed at restoring cleanliness and order in the capital.

According to Mosiria, the dustbins are strictly meant for pedestrian use. He cautioned that anyone caught dumping business or vendor waste in them will be arrested and prosecuted under county by-laws.

“These bins are public assets meant to serve city pedestrians, not commercial operators. Misusing them only encourages illegal dumping and undermines our clean city goals,” Mosiria emphasized.

The initiative follows the disappearance of previously installed bins due to theft. This time, the county has ramped up security and awareness efforts to protect the installations.

Mosiria urged the public to treat the bins with care and pride, noting that the cleanliness of the city depends on everyone’s responsibility.

He also addressed hygiene, warning that even spitting in public would attract legal consequences. “Anyone found spitting sputum on the ground instead of using a handkerchief or tissue will be arrested. This city must reflect discipline and dignity,” he said.