Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja’s decision to register a private entity to manage and collect garbage in the city continues to draw mixed reactions, with players in the sector alleging that this could be a scheme to syphon public funds.

The plan came to light after a company registration document revealed that a firm called Nairobi Green had been registered to oversee the management of solid waste.

According to the document from the Registrar of Companies, the company will be owned by Nairobi County. However, the names of its shareholders, all of whom are from the county executive, have raised eyebrows.

Listed as shareholders are the County Executive Committee members for Environment and for Finance, each holding equal shares.

Others include the County Secretary, the chief officer for Environment as a director, and the chief officer for Finance and Economic Planning, also as a director.

Reacting to the plan, Embakasi Central MP Benjamin Gathiru said this is not the best option for the county.

Sakaja, the MP said, should have consulted other leaders, such as MPs, noting that they are rarely consulted on key decisions affecting Nairobi residents.

Garbage cartels

“That move is aimed at enriching a few individuals; instead, the county ought to be utilising the youths in every ward through their (community-based organisations,)” Gathiru said.

He added: “Leadership should involve everyone, but we [Nairobi MPs] will sit down and deliberate on the matter to see how best to handle the mess.”

But Sakaja has defended his decision, arguing that it is a way to deal with garbage cartels and that the firm will operate like the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company.

The governor, confirming that the names of the shareholders of the company were genuine, noted that counties are corporate entities and can own shares.

“Business registration services recognise individuals, human beings, or companies who are also individuals. So the corporate entity recognises the Nairobi County Government, and then the CEC Finance, CEC Green Nairobi, Chief Officer,” he explained.

Sakaja added that the company will pay suppliers directly because it will have a board with directors and assets.

“What we are able to do is to increase transparency at the time. Because that’s where there was a problem.”