Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has announced that Nairobi County introduces conservancy fee to be paid by all residents through their monthly water bills. The new charge will fund solid waste management operations across the Kenyan capital. Sakaja revealed the plan during an interview with NTV, stating that the county government has already engaged the Water Services Regulatory Board on implementation.
Sakaja said that the county government has finalized agreements with WASREB to include the conservancy fee in the water billing structure. “Nairobi needs sustainable solutions that are not quick fixes, especially on the issue of garbage. We have finally agreed with WASREB to include the conservancy fee in the water bill,” he explained.
The governor drew comparisons to past practices in the city. “When I was growing up in this city, every bill of water had a component that included solid waste management, which disappeared. But now with this fee, everybody will be paying because it is sustainable. We will be able to service our vehicles and other logistics,” Sakaja added.
Financial Impact on Residents
Currently, an average household in Nairobi pays approximately KSh 1,200 for water alone. Additional charges include sewerage fees, a fixed meter rent, a standing charge, and 16 percent VAT. These combined costs bring the total monthly bill to about KSh 2,000. When Nairobi County introduces conservancy fee, residents will pay more than this current amount.
The governor did not specify the exact amount of the new fee during his announcement. The final rate will likely emerge from the regulatory approval process with WASREB. County officials will need to balance revenue requirements against affordability concerns for Nairobi residents.
Sakaja outlined how the county will use the additional revenue. The funds will primarily repair existing waste management vehicles and purchase new, durable equipment. This equipment will be stationed strategically across the county to improve collection efficiency. The goal is to address the chronic garbage problem that has plagued Nairobi for decades.
Partnership Approach
The governor emphasized that Nairobi County introduces conservancy fee as part of a broader strategy. The county government will collaborate with the national government and private sector partners. Unlike in the past, officials aim to ensure that waste management generates revenue for the county through recycling initiatives.
“In the past, garbage was just a cost centre. There was no revenue, and that led to pending bills. So we are partnering with the national government because they will do the offtake of fertiliser that will come from the waste,” Sakaja said. This approach transforms waste from a liability into an economic asset.
The county government will also engage the public and educate residents on proper waste management practices. Officials particularly emphasize the use of litter bins to help reduce vandalism. Community cooperation will prove essential for the new system to function effectively.
Context of Dandora Relocation
The announcement follows President William Ruto’s recent statement on Nairobi’s waste crisis. Speaking in Nairobi on Sunday, February 8, the President said the national government has reached an agreement with the county to relocate the Dandora dumping site to Ruai. Dandora has served as Nairobi’s primary dumpsite for decades despite environmental and health concerns.
President Ruto stated that the project will receive financing through a joint comprehensive waste management programme. The programme will also establish a modern waste treatment facility that converts refuse into fertiliser, energy, and other usable products. This circular economy approach aligns with Sakaja’s vision of waste as a revenue generator rather than a cost centre.
“We have agreed to clean the city of Nairobi. Nairobi cannot be the city in the garbage. We have sat down with the governor. I will get money from the national government so that we can add to that of the county government so that we can clean the city of Nairobi,” Ruto said.
Implementation Challenges
When Nairobi County introduces conservancy fee, implementation will face several hurdles. The water billing system must integrate the new charge seamlessly. Residents must understand what the fee covers and how it differs from existing charges. Collection mechanisms must ensure that funds actually reach waste management operations rather than disappearing into county bureaucracy.
Past attempts to improve Nairobi’s waste management have faced significant challenges. Pending bills to previous contractors have undermined service delivery. Equipment purchased for garbage collection has often fallen into disrepair. Political interference and corruption have diverted funds meant for essential services.
Sakaja’s administration must demonstrate that this new fee will produce different results. Transparency in revenue collection and expenditure will prove critical. Residents who pay more for water services will expect visible improvements in garbage collection. Failure to deliver could generate political backlash ahead of future elections.
Legal and Regulatory Framework
WASREB approval provides regulatory cover for the new fee. The Water Services Regulatory Board oversees water service providers in Kenya. Their endorsement suggests the fee structure meets legal requirements. However, questions may arise about whether water bills represent the most appropriate collection mechanism for waste management fees.
Some residents may object to combining water charges with waste fees. Water is a essential service, and linking it to other charges could create hardship for those unable to pay. The county may need to develop hardship exemptions or payment plans for vulnerable households.
The new fee structure also raises questions about accountability. Revenue collected through water bills will flow through county water companies before reaching solid waste management departments. This creates multiple points where funds could be diverted. Strong oversight mechanisms will prove essential.
Environmental and Health Implications
Proper waste management carries significant environmental and health benefits. Nairobi’s current garbage problem contributes to flooding when waste blocks drainage systems. It creates breeding grounds for disease vectors like mosquitoes and rats. It contaminates soil and water sources, affecting communities near dumpsites.
The Dandora dumpsite has particularly severe environmental impacts. Located in a residential area, it has exposed nearby communities to toxic substances for decades. Studies have found elevated levels of heavy metals in soil and water samples. Children in surrounding areas face increased health risks from exposure.
Relocating the dumpsite to Ruai and developing modern treatment facilities would address these concerns. Converting waste to fertiliser and energy creates economic value while reducing environmental harm. If successful, Nairobi could transform from a city known for garbage to a model of sustainable waste management.
As Nairobi County introduces conservancy fee, residents will watch closely to see whether promises translate into action. The additional cost requires tangible results to maintain public support. With both county and national governments aligned on the strategy, implementation now determines whether Nairobi finally solves its decades-old waste crisis.