DNK International By Sammy Kimatu,Mukuru.
A growing heap of garbage dumped along the Ngong River opposite Songa Mbele na Masomo Centre in Mukuru-Kisii, South B, Nairobi, has raised health and flooding concerns among teachers and learners at the institution.
The learning centre, run by Mukuru Promotion Centre (MPC) and serving children living with disabilities, has expressed concern that the accumulating waste could pose a health risk and obstruct drainage channels if heavy rains persist.
An MPC official said the proximity of the garbage to the centre was worrying, particularly amid warnings of heavy rainfall and possible flooding.
“It is shocking since the garbage poses a health risk to our centre as well as a threat of flooding during the expected El Nino rains as predicted by the weatherman,” the official said.
The official called on relevant authorities to remove the waste and prevent further accumulation before rains intensify.
However, Mukuru area chief Edwin Murunga said the site was being used as a temporary holding point by Climate Worx, a youth-led clean-up project working along the Ngong River.
Murunga said garbage collected from the area is temporarily deposited at the site every three days before being transported by National Youth Service (NYS) lorries to the Dandora dumpsite.
“We normally deposit the garbage at the site every three days before the NYS lorries come to collect the garbage and take it to Dandora Dumpsite. The lorries are parked across the river at Mukuru-Sokoni slum,” he said.
The chief said local authorities were aware of the concerns raised by the learning centre and were engaging residents and other stakeholders on proper waste management.
He added that efforts were underway to sensitise residents on keeping the area clean and avoiding activities that could worsen flooding during periods of heavy rainfall.
Teachers at Songa Mbele na Masomo Centre said children living with disabilities could be particularly vulnerable to health hazards associated with poorly managed waste.
They urged authorities and waste management agencies to find a lasting solution to garbage disposal in the informal settlement and prevent further accumulation along the Ngong River.
[Daily News Kenya-International@September 21,2026]
