Business owners operating near Menengai High School, along Oginga Odinga have raised public health concerns over the continued dumping in the open drainage channels passing close to their shops.

The traders have complained that the rotting waste and wastewater, is an eyesore with stench chasing away potential customers.

“We also deserve to work in a clean and dignified environment just like any other resident of Nakuru,” says Mwangi a short seller in the area.

Another clothes shop owner, Margaret Njeri, says the smell directly affects her business.

“Mtu akija kupima nguo hataki hata kukawia dukani muda mrefu kwa sababu ya harufu mbaya inayotanda hapa. Ombi langu ni county government ishughulikie hili swala la taka taka na kuweka vifaa vya kutupa takataka eneo hili,” Njeri says.

Traders say stagnant wastewater in the drainage attracts flies and rodents, worsening hygiene conditions and putting livelihoods at risk.

As complaints grow, Wakulima Market leadership has distanced itself from the waste.

Wakulima Market Chairman, Gerald Kilonzo,says the waste dumped in the drainage does not originate from the market.

“I have seen the drainage in question, and we have heard the complaints being raised. However, I want to clarify that the waste being dumped there is not from Wakulima Market,” Kilonzo says.

He explains that all garbage generated within the market is collected and stored inside the market at designated points, awaiting collection.

“Our waste is kept within the market, and arrangements are in place for it to be taken away. There is no garbage from the market being thrown into the drainage,” he adds.

While acknowledging that the drainage passes near the market, Kilonzo maintains it does not carry market waste blaming the hawkers who sell fresh produce at night.

"They dump the waste from their goods into the drainages since there is no monitoring at night. This is why the drainage has fresh farm produce that could be assumed is waste from Wakulima market," Kilonzo explains.

Open Waste dumping in a drainage along Oginga Odinga street on January 13,2026. Businesspeople now want county to clear the drainage and offer better waste management mechanisms in the area including provision of waste bins

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/ MTAA WANGU

As the traders’ grapple with the challenge Nakuru county officials however appear to trade blames on which departments should be responsible for clearing the mess.

In a phone interview with Mtaa Wangu, Chief Officer for Environment Stella Mwaura says she is not aware of the open dumping in the city centre and maintains that clearing waste in drainages falls under the Department of Roads and Infrastructure.

“Drainage clearance is specifically the mandate of the department of Roads and Infrastructure,” Mwaura says, adding that her department is working towards procuring skip bins for busy areas in the city center within the current financial year.

However, Chief Officer for Roads and Infrastructure Kennedy Mungai dispute that position, saying open dumping, regardless of where it happens, is entirely the responsibility of the Environment department.

“Our work is to construct and maintain drainage infrastructure. Open dumping, whether in a drainage or anywhere else, is the responsibility of the Department of Environment,” Mungai says.

wanjirukinuthia20@gmail.com

Lack of enough public dustbins highlights growing waste disposal challenge in Nakuru

Author Spotlight

Leleti Jassor