Garbage collectors in Nairobi could soon lose their contracts if a proposed motion seeking to have the services reserved for youth organisations and saccos  is passed by the County Assembly and implemented by City Hall.

Mihango MCA Paul Kados, who is behind the motion, says Governor Johnson Sakaja should award solid waste collection service contracts to youth saccos.

Kados said despite the county hiring dozens of contractors, Nairobi has continued to be filthy with garbage piling in streets and estates.

Solid waste

“Pursuant to provision of Section 38 of the Nairobi City County Solid Waste Management Act, 2015, the County Executive to urgently develop regulations that would enable award of Solid Waste collection service contracts granted to registered Youth SACCOs and Community Based Organizations (CBOs) at the Ward level to enable residents access effective solid waste management services,” the motion reads.

According to Kados, youth groups in various estates have been effectively collecting garbage.

“Unplanned waste dumping and blockage of drainage systems can be cured by providing formalised, well-structured casual labour employment opportunities for thousands of youths across the city within their areas of habitation for purposes of waste collection and disposal,” he said.

Held hostage

The MCA, who is also the Deputy Speaker, said the Environment department, which is in charge of garbage collection, did not have adequate capacity to handle the challenge and had been held hostage by cartels, leading to loss of public funds.

“ I am confident that the implementation of this proposed motion will go a long way in improving the livelihood of the youth. In the long run such groups have the potential to evolve and give birth to investment groups,” he said.

Nairobi generates an estimated 3,200 tonnes of solid waste daily, with plastics accounting for over 20 per cent.

Population increase and rapid urban growth are among the factors contributing to the surge in waste generation in the city.