Residents of Kawangware choking in mountains of garbage

The residents now claim there could be a deliberate, artificial delays in collections allegedly initiated by individuals responsible for collecting garbage that has been piling for quite some time now.

Speaking to Mwananchi reporter, area residents say the routine garbage collection services which used to be done promptly has now become a thing of the past.

David Gateri a businessman in Kawangware says the delay to collect trash from the central garbage dumping site along Gitanga road just before Mlango soko area is running into four months making the place despicable.

"We are tired of these decomposing waste here, we are wondering what is happening with the garbage collection authority or are we not taxpayers like other Kenyans to be treated like this?" asked Gateri.

"Nowadays we cannot dine in peace inside our houses because of the stench that comes straight into our living rooms. There is no fresh air here," he added. 

Open food vendors have also raised concern over the danger facing their business due to impending fears of food contamination that can cause cholera and dysentery for instance and turn away their customers.

"Officials from public health and sanitation should also move in and help resolve this matter here because the community is no longer safe and our businesses are now at stake," said Doris Kemunto, a food kiosk operator.

Street urchins have also found a rich playground for sifting, picking and a turning round the refuse in search of 'valuables' for scrap dealers.

Stella Mogire, an area resident and a mother of three says their children have become fond of playing and picking objects around the site with bare hands, thereby subjecting them to health risks.

"You will then find children sharing ice creams with same unwashed hands,"  she said.

According to the residents, tonnes of garbage is usually deposited at the site, temporarily, before it is moved to major dump site in Dandora.

The residents have appealed to the county government to come to help end their sufferings.