Contain your dogs! Nairobi County is on a mission to impound stray dogs

The Department of Environment, Water, Food, and Agriculture of Nairobi City County has announced a week-long impounding operation that would take place from Monday, January 26 to Friday, January 30, 2026.

The exercise was in response to growing worries about public safety, sanitation, and animal and resident welfare. 

County officials claim that the increase in stray dogs has created a number of problems, including attacks on pedestrians, the spread of zoonotic diseases, and environmental annoyance.

To guarantee broad reach and coordination, the impounding exercise would be carried out in stages, reaching various sub-counties each day.

Enforcement teams will be covering wards, including Ruai, Kasarani, Mwiki, Clay City, and Njiru, which will be on duty in Kasarani Sub-County on Monday and Tuesday. Targeted zones include Stage 26, Kamulu, Athi, Chokaa, Githunguri, Hunters, and the vicinity of Mwiki Secondary School. A major focus will be on residential areas, markets, and known hotspots for stray dogs.

Teams from Umoja I, Kariobangi South, Umoja II, Mowlem, and Kayole will be deployed in Embakasi West and Embakasi Central on Wednesday. There will likely be more activity in busy public areas, including Kamundo Road Market, sub-county offices, and Kayole crossroads like Nyando, Soweto, and Jacaranda grounds.

Dagoretti North and Dagoretti South, particularly Kilimani and Kawangware wards, will be targeted on Thursday. China Center and Stage 46 are among the coverage zones.

Targeting crowded areas like Shauri Moyo, Makongeni, Mbotela, Jericho, Bama, and Gikomba, the week-long campaign will end on Friday in Makadara and Kamukunji.

According to county officials, the operation is a part of larger initiatives to support responsible pet ownership, public health, and a cleaner urban environment. 

To prevent unintentional impoundment, residents have been advised to confine their dogs, make sure they are properly vaccinated, and adhere to county animal control standards.

The Directorate of Livestock and Fisheries, led by Margaret Ndumia, will supervise the exercise and work with sub-county administrations.