Burundian hawkers arrested in Nairobi CBD for dumping plastic waste

Several Burundian hawkers were arrested in Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD) on Tuesday night for allegedly polluting the environment.

In a now-viral video, Nairobi County Chief Officer for Environment Geoffrey Mosiria is seen apprehending the hawkers, who were selling coffee and crisps on the city streets, accusing them of illegal dumping of tumblers and plastic papers.

"They are polluting the environment by illegal dumping of tumblers and plastic papers that were banned in Kenya," Mosiria is heard saying in the video.

While transporting the hawkers to a police station, Mosiria claimed that many lacked valid travel documents or passports.

He added that some of the individuals were under 18 years old and did not have identification cards. According to him, they entered the country by hitching rides on lorries or buses transporting goods.

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original sound - Geoffrey Mosiria

Although the hawkers were later released without charges, Mosiria issued a stern warning: they should avoid returning to the park, always carry their identification documents, and sell their products to motorists or in designated market areas to reduce littering.

Mosiria, who has recently launched a personal campaign to clean up the capital, has pledged to take action against individuals and businesses contributing to environmental degradation.

His crackdown comes days after the Nairobi County Government, led by Governor Johnson Sakaja, issued a public warning against littering and spitting in the CBD.

Offenders risk arrest and prosecution under existing city by-laws.

As part of its anti-littering initiative, the county has begun installing new dustbins across the city centre, aiming for full coverage within a week.

The move comes in response to the widespread theft of previously installed bins, which officials say has undermined efforts to keep the city clean.

"These dustbins belong to the people of Nairobi, and it is our collective responsibility to protect them from vandalism, particularly by individuals who steal and sell public property to scrap metal dealers," said Mosiria.

To safeguard the new bins, county officers will be deployed to guard them around the clock.

Mosiria also issued a warning to individuals who habitually spit in public spaces.

"Such behaviour is both unhygienic and unacceptable in a modern, clean city," he said.