By Njeri Irungu,
Nairobi has intensified a sweeping citywide clean-up exercise targeting major waste hotspots under the ongoing “Safisha KaNairo” campaign, as efforts to restore sanitation and improve public health gather momentum.
The initiative, a coordinated effort between Nairobi City County and sanitation stakeholders including Zoomlion Kenya, is focusing on large-scale waste evacuation and environmental restoration across residential estates, informal settlements, markets, and public spaces.
County officials say the intervention is an urgent and structured response to rising waste accumulation in densely populated neighbourhoods, noting that the campaign is designed to deliver immediate impact while laying the groundwork for long-term urban cleanliness.
Currently, clean-up operations are underway in several areas across the city, including Borabora and Kawangare-Gitanga in Dagoretti North, Morale Road and Kinyango in Kamukunji, and the CBD Market in Starehe. Other targeted zones include Githwamba and St. Francis in Kasarani, Vumilia in Embakasi East, and Othaya Market and Kamukunji Grounds in Kibra.
Additional efforts are ongoing in Area 1, Korogocho Market, and Ngomongo in Ruaraka, as well as Huruma Grounds, Mau Mau, and Huruma Flats in Mathare. Further clean-up activities have also been reported in Senior Citizen in Dagoretti South and English Press in Embakasi South, alongside other identified waste-prone zones.
Health and sanitation experts have welcomed the initiative, noting that improved waste management plays a critical role in reducing preventable diseases associated with poor sanitation and contaminated environments.
Beyond immediate clean-up efforts, the campaign also seeks to foster a culture of environmental responsibility by promoting inclusive access to sanitation services, particularly in underserved communities. Officials say the programme emphasises public awareness, citizen participation, and sustainable waste management practices.
Residents have been urged to support the initiative by avoiding illegal dumping, participating in community clean-up activities, and adopting proper waste disposal habits.
At the same time, county governments across Kenya are being encouraged to replicate similar sanitation models, while environmental stakeholders and innovators are called upon to collaborate on long-term recycling and waste-to-value solutions.
Community groups, including youth organisations and informal sector players, have also been identified as key partners in driving both environmental sustainability and economic opportunities at the grassroots level.
The “Safisha KaNairo” campaign continues to demonstrate that meaningful environmental transformation is achievable through coordinated action, public participation, and sustained commitment to cleaner and healthier urban spaces.
Zoomlion Kenya, which is spearheading much of the operational work, specialises in waste management, landfill evacuation, and sanitation services. The initiative operates under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with execution driven by private sector capacity in collaboration with government oversight.
