Blowing nose without handkerchief banned in Nairobi after passage of new law
The Nairobi County government has introduced new rules and regulations that are aimed at keeping Nairobi clean and hygienic.
Contained in the Nairobi City County Public Nuisance Bill, 2021, the new regulations prohibits one blowing nose without a handkerchief or tissue paper in the city, urinating in undesignated spaces, spitting on the streets, as well as sleeping in kitchens or food stores.
The new laws were signed by Nairobi Deputy Governor Ann Kananu who urged Nairobi residents to familiarize themselves with the new law to avoid being caught offside.
“Nairobi is the face of Kenya. We all need a clean and hygienic environment to live and work in. This is part of what we promised our great people of Nairobi. We must work round the clock to achieve this. A healthy environment is paramount to all of us,” she said.
“The objective of this act is to provide for the control of public nuisance and empower the county to take all lawful necessary and reasonably practicable measures for the maintenance of the county at all times in a clean and sanitary condition.”
The new law also prohibits discharge of dirty water, sewer or effluent into streets or water channels, discharge of oils into roads or water channels, and obstruction of roads or streets.
It also prohibits residents from allowing trees and hedges in their homes or places of work to obstruct streets or footpaths, further criminalising riding motorcycles or driving on footpaths, playing loud music, and smoking in undesignated places.
Motorcycles riders are prohibited from riding or driving on footpaths, playing loud music, and smoking in undesignated places.
County Executive member for Environment, Energy, Water and Sanitation Larry Wambua thanked Riruta MCA Kariuki Kiriba for coming up with the bill at the assembly and ensuring that all stages were well articulated and now signed into law.
He added that he will work tirelessly in ensuring that all is achieved as ordered by Kananu.
Persons found flouting the new law will be liable to a fine of anything between Sh10,000 and Sh500,000, and imprisonment of six to 12 months depending on the offence committed.
Present during the signing ceremony was the Speaker Nairobi County Assembly, Benson Mutura, other Members of County Assembly and Nairobi County Attorney, Lydia Kwamboka who presented the bill to the Acting Governor for assent.
