Nairobi County Environment Executive Geoffrey Mosiria has hit back at recent criticism from activist Hanifa Adan over the state of garbage in several city estates, calling for a more constructive approach rooted in law, accountability, and community responsibility.

In a detailed statement issued via his official X account on Friday, July 18, 2025, Mosiria refrained from direct confrontation but expressed disappointment over what he termed as “activism that fuels drama rather than solutions.”

His remarks come hours after Hanifa posted images online showing heaps of uncollected garbage in Eastleigh and other parts of Nairobi, blaming the county official for neglect.

“I will not attack you online or defend myself, but how I wish you could now use your activism and media platforms to educate the public on environmental laws,” Mosiria stated.

Waste management laws

Citing the Nairobi City County Solid Waste Management Act of 2015, Mosiria explained that the law places responsibility for the cleanliness of areas within a 10-meter radius of a building on the property owner or occupant.

“When someone dumps garbage outside a building, they should understand that, under the Nairobi City County Solid Waste Management Act of 2015, it is the responsibility of the premises owner or occupant to ensure the cleanliness of the 10-meter radius around their property,” he stated.

Waste payment

He further noted that businesses and residents are required to pay for waste collection services—a critical source of revenue that enables the county to maintain garbage trucks, fuel, and other logistics required to keep Nairobi clean.

“Let’s not support illegality in the name of activism,” he cautioned.

Mosiria also challenged the activist to engage in deeper questions around compliance. “For instance, in areas like Eastleigh, where you recently posted about garbage, how many of the people in those buildings are paying the county government for waste management services?” he asked.

According to the CEC, the county faces backlash whenever it tries to enforce the law. “When we take enforcement action and arrest individuals who have defaulted or failed to comply, the same activists accuse us of harassing innocent people,” he said, pointing to what he described as a double standard that hampers meaningful reform.

“How do you serve a community where people resist the truth and oppose doing the right thing?” he asked.

Mosiria concluded his response by urging a shift in tone and method, calling for what he termed “a constructive conversation that promotes order, accountability, and cleaner neighbourhoods—not online incitement or unnecessary drama.”