Nairobi deploys 4,500 workers to clear drains and waste ahead El Niño rains
Governor Johnson Sakaja says the recruits have been employed on permanent and pensionable terms, making the programme one of the county’s largest recruitment drives for workers.
Nairobi, Kenya - The city's expanding waste problem has unexpectedly created jobs through the Green Army programme, according to the county government. Over 4,500 workers have been hired under this initiative to clear streets, drainage channels, and public spaces. Governor Johnson Sakaja announced that these recruits have been employed permanently, marking one of the largest hires for environmental services in recent history.
While the program has generated numerous employment opportunities, it has also drawn attention to the scale of Nairobi's waste management crisis and its potential sustainability.
Governor Sakaja explained that the Green Army program was designed to tackle both unemployment and the deterioration of the city's environment. The jobs are expected to benefit not only the workers but also the households that rely on their incomes. "As they clean drains, clean our city and estates, we have also given 4,500 households an opportunity to make a living," he stated.
The Green Army is being deployed throughout Nairobi to clear drains, remove accumulated waste, clean estates and public spaces, and address illegal dumping areas. The initiative aims to prepare the city for the impending El Niño rains, which could exacerbate flooding risks due to clogged drains and overflowing waterways.
Nairobi currently manages around 3,000 tonnes of waste per day, up from approximately 1,000 tonnes previously. This surge in waste presents significant logistical challenges, especially given the county's responsibility for serving millions of residents. The county government has linked the clean-up campaign to preparations for heavy rains, intensifying drainage clearance efforts across various districts.
In April alone, more than 40 major waste collection points and illegal dumping sites were cleared, with notable removals in Embakasi South, Kware Bridge, English Press in Mukuru Kwa Reuben, Motherland in Eastleigh South, and Kinyago Slums in California Ward.
The county's focus extends beyond immediate cleanup efforts to long-term sustainability. They are exploring methods to transform waste into an economic resource through material recovery and waste transfer facilities. While the current emphasis remains on clearing waste accumulated in drains, authorities acknowledge that sustained cleanliness requires a comprehensive approach encompassing waste collection, disposal infrastructure, regulatory enforcement, and behavioral changes.
For the 4,500 workers employed in the Green Army, the program represents a significant opportunity for employment, but the broader challenge lies in ensuring Nairobi remains clean and resilient in the face of growing waste and impending heavy rains.
Written by urgent.news from Capital FM Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
