On September 4, 2024 at around 11:30pm, Geoffrey Mosiria the Chief Officer in the environment docket at the Nairobi City County led an operation that was aimed at arresting citizens for openly urinating along streets in Nairobi.

Mosiria was setting an example to city dwellers who thought it right to litter the environment; in this case, people who knowingly choose to dump garbage and openly urinate in the streets within the central business district (CBD).

According to Mosiria, people have been warned against littering the environment whilst assuming nobody is watching.

“Some individuals have chosen to ignore county laws by dumping garbage and urinating in the CBD. We will continue to engage with them but those who refuse to comply will face legal action. Dumping in undesignated areas and urinating in the streets are strictly prohibited,” he said.

A clip taken from the raid shows a number of men being apprehended by the officers who seem keen to ensure no form of pollution is witnessed in the capital’s streets.

Now, how far can this actually go and what measures are in place to ensure people actually follow the rules and regulations required to promote cleanliness in the city?

The urge to answer to a call of nature might just find you on the wrong side of the law and nothing can help you save face in such an instance.

Recently there has been an improvement in the city infrastructure which has seen major streets being beautified to ensure the city is living up to its name.

This means throwing garbage along the streets will earn you glances from the kanjo. You will end up paying fines which you did not budget for, because obviously we do not anticipate going against the law.

There are garbage cans all over and this will assist in keeping the environment clean. Is there a reason why you still have to throw your candy wrap on the ground? Definitely not, Nairobian.

When it comes to seeking a place to relieve yourself, especially when you had a nice big mug of coffee or tea for breakfast, you really have to excise caution.

This mostly applies to the male gender. We might say it’s difficult to hold it in, but guess whose cells are big enough to hold hundreds of law-breaking Nairobians?

But in the case where it becomes difficult to hold it in, there are public toilets manned by the county government.

Situated at various points across the CBD, one only has to pay at most Ksh20 and then you can use the toilets.

There are also various buildings and hotels and if the public toilets are not up to your ‘taste’ then you can always pop into one of the hotels, buy something and use their washrooms.

Anyway as you eat your last slice of sandwich or fries or whatever has been wrapped, you need to be mindful of the environment and your fellow countrymen.

A banana peel could cause the worst of accidents, even if you think it is harmless. Also, how much are you willing to part with, just because you did something you could have avoided?

Littering could cost you up to Ksh20000 and a dirty record with the authorities.

Avoid these minor mistakes and save yourself money and face.