Nairobi’s city centre may be getting cleaner, but not without a fight. Amid ongoing efforts to restore order and hygiene to the CBD, the theft of newly installed dustbins has prompted a bold move from the county’s environment chief, Geoffrey Mosiria: a Sh5,000 cash reward for anyone who catches the culprits in the act.
Highlights:
- Geoffrey Mosiria offers Sh5,000 from his pocket to anyone who catches dustbin vandals.
- New dustbins in the CBD are being stolen and sold as scrap metal.
- Mosiria calls for public vigilance and civic duty to protect public assets.
- Offenders caught vandalizing or littering face arrest and court action.
- Motorists parking on pavements also warned of legal consequences.
Main Story
As part of Nairobi’s ongoing urban renewal drive, the Central Business District has seen the installation of new dustbins aimed at promoting cleanliness. But even before they’ve made a full impact, vandals have started stealing them—allegedly for scrap.
Speaking passionately in a nighttime video after a successful arrest operation, Nairobi’s environment chief Geoffrey Mosiria expressed his outrage and determination to end the thefts. “We must protect all public assets. These bins are taxpayers’ money,” he said.
To drive the message home, Mosiria announced a unique incentive: “If you catch one, I will personally pay you in cash from my pocket—Sh5,000. That starts today.” The bold offer turns Nairobi residents into potential bounty hunters, empowering them to defend their city’s infrastructure.
He praised security personnel who helped nab a recent culprit, urging more Nairobians to take up the call and protect what belongs to them. “Citizens are angry. Their property is being stolen,” Mosiria added.
The crackdown doesn’t stop with vandals. Mosiria issued a wider warning to motorists who park on newly renovated pavements and individuals who litter despite the presence of dustbins. “We will take action against them—we will arrest them and take them to court,” he warned.
His approach is clear: tough love paired with civic pride. From illegal dumping to public vandalism, offenders can now expect swift consequences—and active citizen participation in their apprehension.
With Nairobi’s image and functionality on the line, the county is banking on a mix of innovation, community enforcement, and public vigilance. Mosiria’s reward scheme may seem unconventional, but it sends a powerful message: clean cities start with collective responsibility—and a little cash doesn’t hurt.
