Gangland city? Garbage dumping outside Stima Plaza by Nairobi County government uncalled for

Garbage in, garbage out (GIGO), Kenyans, visiting foreigners and the whole world was on Monday, February 24, 2025 treated to shocking dramatic scenes and real definition where, in any system, the quality of output is determined by the quality of the input.

Literally, City Hall garbage trucks dumped decaying refuse emitting pungent smell outside Kenya Power headquarters taking the disagreements from boardrooms to the streets, and manifestly, in a street-like manner.

Needless to say, the apparent act by officials under the Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja’s led administration portrays downright moral decadence and loss of common decency particularly by public institutions office bearers.

The Ministry of Health (MoH), National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and all line institutions should hold both the masterminds and executors of the audacious act to account.

The billing disagreements and resolutions between the Nairobi county government and Kenya Power and Lighting Company should be restricted to boardrooms and other channels of dispute resolution and not resorting to public display of anarchy.

The counter claims where Kenya Power accuse Nairobi County of not paying electricity bills amounting to Sh3.1billion on one hand, on the other, Kenya Power is said to owe Sakaja’s led administration Sh4.83 billion.

The recent acts, not limited only in Nairobi and manifested in various forms and shades exposes the rot in the country’s governance system and disdain for the rule of law.

The ongoing power wars between Nairobi county and Kenya Power have reached a point where it is clear that these conflicts are both unnecessary and counterproductive.

Whereas deliberate efforts should be dedicated achieve city’s rapid growth, now witnessing stagnation with uncollected heaps of decomposing garbage littered in city estates, markets and roadside, it is essential that the leadership works collaboratively to address the many challenges the county faces.

Instead, what we are witnessing is a situation where political rivalries and power plays are taking precedence over the interests of Nairobi’s residents.

These power wars undermine the progress and well-being of the people of Nairobi, as decisions are often delayed or influenced by personal ambitions rather than the collective good.

The leadership should be focused on improving infrastructure, providing essential services, and creating opportunities for all, not embroiled in petty squabbles that only serve to stall development.

It is crucial that all stakeholders come together and prioritise the needs of the people they are meant to serve.

These power struggles do not only waste time but also resources, ultimately hindering the potential of Nairobi as a thriving metropolis.

The dumped outside the Kenya Power headquarters was not only a public eyesore but exposed the residents and business operators to grave health hazards that only God knows what!

Ironically, it is the county government responsibility to ensure proper waste management disposal and not using the same as an act of protest or negligence.

Garbage in public spaces, especially in key areas like corporate offices or government buildings, can cause health and environmental problems and affect the city’s aesthetic.

It also negatively impacts the general public’s perception of the area’s cleanliness and the management of municipal services.

Nairobi deserves better — it deserves leadership that is focused and driven by a genuine commitment to progress.