Garbage crisis in Kawangware: Youth group's activities spark tensions
A Strongboys' member sorts out garbage at Kawangware dumpsite on January 4, 2025,
What you need to know:
- Njoki Kamau, who owns 60 houses built with a loan, reported that only 25 are occupied due to the unbearable odour and health risks.
- “I'm losing Sh3,000 for every vacant house each month. The county government refuses to address this,” she lamented.
The garbage collection activities of a youth group known as Strongboys have caused upheaval in Kawangware, where public and private land has been turned into dumping sites.
The unauthorised occupation is not only disrupting community development but has also left property owners counting losses as tenants flee due to the unbearable stench and deteriorating living conditions.
Residents say the Strongboys' actions have hindered the construction of part of Salim Road, a critical infrastructure project expected to benefit the community.
Zainabu Osman lamented that the group's actions have stalled public development, particularly on a road stretching from Muslim to Stage 2.
“They do not understand that even if the county government builds the road, it will help them by providing easier access when offloading their waste,” said Ms Osman.
The road project, scheduled to commence for the second time in 2023, was halted after the group vowed to disrupt construction.
The Nairobi County Government allocated Sh80 million for the construction of the road during the 2018/19 fiscal period.
However, progress stalled, and in the 2023/24 budget, only Sh20 million was earmarked for completing Salim Road in Gatina, leaving the section at Kabiro Ward untouched.
Residents claim the stalled road has also become a crime hub, further endangering the community, especially at night.
Ms Osman accused some county officials of corruption, alleging that garbage trucks can remain parked for weeks without removing waste.
“We know some individuals benefit from this garbage. It is alleged that they pay Sh5,000 for trucks to park without collecting the waste. This leaves the public with no space for development,” she said.
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Hassan Omar, accused of facilitating payments to ensure the youths’ continued occupation of the land, denied the allegations.
Omar explained that his involvement with the youths began 30 years ago when he encouraged them to collect waste as a source of income.
“Initially, it was idle public land and a cemetery. How the group moved to private land, I do not know,” he said.
He added: “Previously, no one was claiming the land because it was idle. The part that was being used by the boys was a public cemetery from 15 years ago.”
Dominic Maradi, leader of the Strongboys, maintained that they would continue to occupy the land and denied claims that the group had disrupted road construction.
“In 2022, 2023, and 2024, we saw trucks coming here. We were told they were to begin road construction. After three days, the trucks were gone, and even the contractor’s signboard was not put up,” said Maradi.
Maradi asserted that the group operates legally, paying garbage collection licenses to the county government.
However, the dumpsite does not meet environmental standards as required by the Environmental Management and Coordination Act which decrees that a “waste disposal site or plant shall comply with all conditions imposed by the Authority (Nema) to ensure that such waste disposal site or plant operates in an environmentally sound manner.”
“Without the license, you cannot collect garbage. We are recognized,” he stated.
He accused area leaders of discriminating against them and praised Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi for supporting their work.
“We appreciate Mama Dago (Elachi) for listening to us. We are aware this is public land, but someone named Gabriel Nyoike claims ownership. If he owns it, he should produce the documents,” said Maradi.
Gabriel Nyoike, however, told Nation Africa that his family donated part of the land to the public years ago, but the Strongboys have trespassed on his private property.
“The garbage is being stored on my private land as well. I'm going to sue Nairobi County and NEMA,” Nyoike threatened.
Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi urged the youths to collect the waste responsibly and ensure it does not block public roads.
“If you stop these youths from earning through garbage collection, they might opt to steal. However, waste should not block road construction,” she said.
The County's Chief Environmental Officer, Geoffrey Mosiria, termed the dumpsite illegal but blamed youths and landowners for preventing the county and NEMA from closing it.
“It is managed by cartels and is blocking my team. My office is working to collect all the garbage and shut it down,” he acknowledged.
The impact of the dumpsite has left landlords facing financial ruin.
Njoki Kamau, who owns 60 houses built with a loan, reported that only 25 are occupied due to the unbearable odour and health risks.
“I'm losing Sh3,000 for every vacant house each month. The county government refuses to address this,” she lamented.
Residents and local leaders are calling on the authorities to find a lasting solution to the garbage crisis that continues to plague Kawangware.
