Sakaja promises jobs to city cleaning group

Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja has now promised employment on a permanent and pensionable basis to over 3,500 Green Army members, under the county government.

While speaking to them at an evening cleanup of the city, amidst a heavy downpour, Sakaja commended them on their good job and encouraged them to continue giving their best as the terms of employment would be based on their merit and work put in.

Sakaja was speaking during a cleanup of the Central Business District, saying that was just the beginning and the plan is to shift focus to the various neighborhoods across the city, in an effort to clean up and bring order to the CBD.

“This is the last day we are collectively, as 3,500 members, participating in the CBD clean-up. Over the past weeks, you’ve done an exceptional job. We will now move to the estates, cleaning them one by one,” the Governor said.

Governor Sakaja also outlined plans to establish the Green Nairobi Company this year. The company will operate autonomously and oversee garbage collection, environmental management, and related tasks across the city.

Sakaja who was accompanied by his deputy James Njoroge Muchiri, County executive committee members, 40 members of the county assembly promised to work collaboratively to restore order and cleanliness in the capital.

The Green Army Company is an initiative that is set to enhance the city’s cleanliness and waste management. Sakaja had late last year unveiled a strategy to establish the parastatal whose role is almost similar to Nairobi Water in managing water services.

“This entity will operate independently, ensuring consistent funding for its operations. Garbage collectors will continue their services but will be required to adhere to new procedures designed to improve efficiency and effectiveness in waste management,” Sakaja had stated.

He added that they would put an end to illegal dumping and impose heavy fines to ensure all waste is disposed of at the Dandora dumpsite to ensure they transform waste into energy.

It was then that the 3500 Green Army members were recruited to help in ensuring the city was clean. Early this month, the city governor flagged off 24 new refuse compactor trucks at City Hall in a bid to improve waste management across the city.

Nairobi City has seen changes in terms of cleanliness with designated dumping areas being put in place and litterers being fined or arrested.