This archive report was first published on 7 September 2019.
Unusual Bylaws in Nairobi ¶
Did you know that there are several unusual bylaws in Nairobi that could land you in trouble with the county askaris? According to the City bylaws, making any kind of noise on the streets is an offence, and you could be arrested for it.
Published on September 7, 2019, the bylaws have been in place for years, but many residents are unaware of them. For instance, discharging a missile in or near a street is also prohibited, but what exactly constitutes a missile is unclear.
Other unusual bylaws include cutting down a tree without a permit from the county, playing any game, riding or driving on a footpath, and loitering. Loitering is classed under the same clause as 'importuning or attempting to procure a female/male for prostitution purpose.'
Additionally, men who like to do their business in public places may be in for a surprise. Defecating or urinating on a street or any other space is an offence, and you could be fined for it.
It's also an offence to carry open food in a manner likely to cause contamination, and keeping any animal or poultry that causes a nuisance to your neighbours is also prohibited.
Environmental Hazards and Parking in Nairobi ¶
Driving or being near a garbage truck in Nairobi is a health and physical risk, but the bylaws state that driving or permitting to be driven in any overloaded vehicles such that its contacts are spilling is an offence. However, the opposite is happening, with garbage trucks being a stinking mess on wheels.
It's also an offence to park on a pavement or on council gardens, and parking in a designated parking space without payment of fees is also prohibited. Signalling, guiding or directing a driver into or out of a parking place is also an offence, but isn't this the norm?
Lastly, if you get clamped, it's an offence to damage a vehicle clamp, attempting to or removing the same. It's also an offence to knock down an electricity pole and not pay for its restoration.
There are several bylaws covering many facets of life in Nairobi, and the best way to not be caught unawares is to familiarise yourself with these laws.
