Controversy erupts over private firm managing garbage in Nairobi

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja is on the spot over the registration of a private garbage collection firm in the capital.

The move, which raises concerns over a possible conflict of interest, has sparked mixed reactions as Sakaja is linked to the establishment of the entity.

The matter came to public attention after company registration records revealed that a firm named 'Nairobi Green' had been set up to handle solid waste management.

The document indicates that the company will be owned by Nairobi County. However, what has drawn attention are the listed shareholders—all of whom are senior officials within the Executive.

According to records from the Registrar of Companies, the shareholders include current officeholders in the Sakaja's Executive team.

Additionally, the County Secretary is listed as a shareholder, while the Chief Officer for Environment and the Chief Officer for Finance and Economic Planning are named as Directors.

Reacting to the plan, Embakasi Central MP Benjamin Gathiru expressed skepticism, arguing that this may not be the best approach.

He pointed out that the individuals listed as shareholders raise significant concerns.

The MP further stated that Governor Sakaja should have engaged other leaders, including MPs, before making such a decision, emphasizing that they are often sidelined in key matters affecting Nairobi residents.

He criticized the move, arguing that it appears designed to benefit a select few. Instead, he suggested that the county should focus on empowering local youth by involving community-based organizations (CBOs) in each ward.

However, Governor Sakaja has defended the decision, stating that the initiative aims to dismantle garbage cartels and will function similarly to the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company.

He acknowledged that the listed shareholders were correctly documented but emphasized that counties are corporate entities with the legal capacity to own shares.

Sakaja argued that cartels have long exploited the garbage collection sector for personal gain. He noted that over the past two years, the number of companies handling waste management has been significantly reduced from 68 to just 10.