Nairobi: Johnson Sakaja Hands Permanent Jobs to Over 3,000 Green Army Workers
- Over 3,500 Green Army workers in Nairobi were confirmed as permanent and pensionable staff in the biggest environment sector hire since 1987
- Governor Johnson Sakaja hailed their dedication and ordered daily cleaning across all neighbourhoods using new machines, tippers, and compactors
- He unveiled plans for the Green Nairobi Company, a professional cleaning agency modelled after Nairobi Water, to run the city's sanitation
- County officials urged the workers to take pride in the historic transition and maintain high standards as custodians of Nairobi’s public hygiene
Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Over 3,500 environmental workers known as the “Green Army” have been confirmed into permanent and pensionable positions by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.
Source: UGC
The announcement, made on Friday, August 8, at Central Park, marks the largest recruitment in the city's environmental sector since 1987.
The historic transition is expected to reshape how the capital manages cleanliness, public hygiene, and green spaces.
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The move also fulfils a long-standing promise by Sakaja to formalise the Green Army’s role in city operations.
Addressing the jubilant workers during the official handover ceremony, Sakaja praised their hard work and discipline, saying the confirmation was both a reward and a new responsibility.
"The last time environment sector personnel were hired was 1987. This is the biggest number ever. What we are doing today is historic. Now you have permanent and pensionable jobs after your diligent work keeping the city clean," Sakaja said.
Environment Chief Officer Geoffrey Mosiria reminded the workers that the confirmation was only the beginning.
"Now that you have this mandate, you must work even harder and guide residents on keeping their areas tidy," Mosiria stated.
What is Sakaja's directive to the green army?
The governor urged the newly confirmed staff to maintain the momentum and ensure every corner of Nairobi is serviced.
Sakaja further issued a clear directive, tasking those responsible to ensure that the city is cleaned daily.
"The city must be cleaned daily, that is now your obligation. Have shifts, cover every neighbourhood, and use the equipment we’ve provided, including machines, tippers, and compactors," he said.
What are Sakaja's plans for Nairobi's sanitation?
Sakaja also unveiled a broader vision for Nairobi’s environmental management through the upcoming Green Nairobi Company.
The autonomous body, already registered, will be tasked with handling city cleanliness in a professionalised model, similar to how Nairobi Water operates.
"The company is registered. We are working on financing, and we have benchmarked in South Africa, Kigali, and other cities. It will soon take charge of cleaning the city," the governor revealed.
Source: Twitter
The County Executive Committee Member for Environment, Maureen Njeri, said the confirmation reflects trust in the workers’ two-year effort, especially during a period of transition in the city’s leadership and service delivery model.
"This shows that the Governor is confident in the work the Green Army is doing. We must now put our best foot forward. You are the custodians of our city’s cleanliness and beauty," Njeri told the gathering.
Her remarks were echoed by Finance CEC Charles Kerich, who urged the newly employed workers to be financially responsible now that they are earning a regular income.
How is environment cleaning creating jobs?
Earlier, President William Ruto announced the nationwide expansion of the Climate WorX programme during the 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations.
Building on its successful Nairobi pilot, the initiative is set to create more than 110,000 jobs for Kenyan youth across all 47 counties.
Climate WorX focuses on environmental and urban improvement projects, from planting trees to waste cleanup and infrastructure enhancement, especially in underserved areas.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
