This archive report was first published on 16 August 2019.
On August 16, 2019, Nairobi County government officials and the National Environmental Management Authority (Nema) conducted an operation at Donholm interchange in Nairobi, arresting 14 people for causing air pollution.
The suspects were accused of burning old tyres to extract wire, which they sold to steel companies, releasing toxic gases into the air at night.
Nairobi County acting Environment director Lawrence Mwangi stated that the operation was a response to numerous complaints from residents in Buruburu and Donholm over air pollution.
"We have arrested 14 people to be charged with various counts including burning harmful substances in open air and operating illegal business," Mr Mwangi said.
Njoki Mukiri, Nema Nairobi County director, emphasized that the operation aimed to curb air pollution in the area, which had been affecting residents in the larger Eastlands area.
Ms Mukiri pointed out that Nema had been receiving complaints from residents in areas such as Kamukunji, Likoni, and Lunga Lunga, and that the open burning of tyres was prohibited under recently gazetted air quality regulations.
The suspects were locked up at a cell in City Hall and were set to be arraigned on Monday.
