Geoffrey Mosiria warns Nairobians of open-air burning of waste
Nairobi County Chief Officer for Environment Geoffrey Mosiria has issued a stern warning to residents after intercepting an incident of illegal open-air burning, reminding the public that the practice is strictly prohibited and carries heavy penalties.
In a statement on Monday, November 17, 2025, Mosiria says he spotted a large plume of smoke and went to investigate, only to find a security guard burning waste in the open, producing thick smoke that was drifting into nearby homes.
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“Shockingly, it was a security guard who had set waste on fire. The smoke was invading people’s houses,” he said, adding that evidence of dry ash showed this was not the first time such burning had taken place.
He noted that open-air burning poses serious health risks, particularly to children, people with asthma, and those with respiratory complications.
“I issued the man a stern warning to extinguish the fire immediately and instructed that all their waste must be collected by a licensed PSP, not burned. Failure to comply will result in further action,” Mosiria stated.
He emphasised that the dangers of open-air burning go beyond inconvenience. The smoke pollutes the air, worsens respiratory illnesses, destroys soil quality, contaminates water sources, harms wildlife, and can easily lead to uncontrolled fires.
“This is why it remains strictly prohibited,” he added.
Legal Consequences
Mosiria reminded Nairobians that open-air burning of waste is illegal unless one has written permission from the Chief Officer for Environment.
“If someone burns waste without that authority, they commit an offence. Penalty: A fine of not less than Ksh500,000, or imprisonment for a minimum of six months, or both,” he quoted the law.
“For industries that violate the Act (e.g. by not meeting air quality standards), the fine is at least Ksh1 million or up to 2 years in jail, or both.”
