The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Nairobi has been ranked the poorest performer in solid waste management among Kenya’s five cities, with the administration led by Johnson Sakaja managing to collect only about a third of the garbage generated.
In contrast, Nakuru, under Governor Susan Kihika, recorded the best performance. Data from the 2026 Economic Survey by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) shows the county collected nearly two-thirds of its waste.
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The report indicates that Nairobi collected just 33.2% of its waste, while Nakuru led with 67% during the review period.
Waste generation rose across several cities, with Nairobi and Mombasa recording increases of 12.1% and 1.2% respectively. Eldoret and Kisumu also posted slight increases.
In 2025, Nairobi generated over 1.27 million tonnes of waste but collected only a fraction of it. Mombasa managed to collect about half of its waste, while Kisumu and Eldoret lagged behind. Nakuru stood out, collecting the majority of the waste it generated.
The findings highlight ongoing challenges cities face in managing waste effectively—an issue critical to public health and environmental protection.
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Earlier this year, William Ruto announced plans for the national government to work with Nairobi County to tackle the city’s persistent garbage crisis. The strategy includes improving waste collection systems, encouraging recycling, and involving residents in maintaining cleanliness.
Nairobi County has also explored a long-term partnership with Zoomlion Ghana Limited to manage waste, although the deal has been temporarily halted by the High Court following a legal challenge.
Additionally, the county is considering introducing a conservation levy on water bills to raise funds for its waste management programme.
