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Nairobi’s expanding mountain of waste and survival
A view of the Dandora Dumpsite in Nairobi County. The site spans about 30 acres and is located roughly eight kilometres from Nairobi’s city centre.
The Dandora Dumpsite, located in Nairobi’s Dandora area, is one of Africa’s largest open-air landfills. Established in 1975 as a temporary waste disposal site, it has grown into a severe environmental and public health crisis.
Covering more than 30 acres and receiving an estimated 2,000–3,000 tonnes of waste daily—from households, industries, hospitals, and markets—it lies just 8 km from Nairobi’s city center. Surrounded by densely populated neighborhoods such as Korogocho, Baba Dogo, and Dandora, the dumpsite affects hundreds of thousands of residents. For many, it provides a means of survival through waste picking, despite the highly toxic and hazardous conditions.
Photos | Dennis Onsongo | Nation
People at the Dandora landfill site sort through thousands of tons of waste dumped daily. The 30-acre site provides a source of livelihood for many despite the serious health and safety risks it poses.
A view of Dandora dumpsite in Nairobi County. The site indirectly feeds hundreds of homes, as many residents rely on salvaged food and recyclable materials for their livelihood.
A view of Dandora dumpsite in Nairobi County, where a garbage truck is emptied. The site, opened in 1975, is Nairobi’s only official dumpsite.
An elevated view of the Dandora Dumpsite in Nairobi County. Waste decomposing here produces greenhouse gases, adding to the challenges of climate change.
A caterpillar at work at the Dandora dumpsite in Nairobi County. The site, one of Africa’s largest open-air landfills, spans about 30 acres.
A view of the Dandora Dumpsite in Nairobi County, home to numerous pigs that forage for food among the garbage.
Marabou storks mingle with scavengers collecting recyclable plastic materials at the Dandora dumpsite on the outskirts of Nairobi.
A view of the Dandora Dumpsite in Nairobi County. It receives about 850 tonnes of solid waste from city residents each day.
