The Nairobi City County Government has set up a specialised anti-vandalism unit to tackle the rising destruction of public infrastructure, as the county steps up efforts to protect development projects across the city.
The new unit will focus on areas considered vulnerable to vandalism and will work closely with police officers and multi-agency teams seconded to the county.
County officials say the move is meant to ensure that public facilities remain safe, usable, and well maintained.
Speaking on Wednesday during a Mobility and Works Sector meeting, Mobility and Works CECM Ibrahim Auma said the initiative is part of a wider plan to safeguard public investment and prevent damage that disrupts services to residents.
“Those caught vandalising public property are being arrested and held accountable,” Auma said.
He noted that police officers deployed to the county are now fully integrated into the county’s operations, working hand in hand with teams drawn from the specialised department to strengthen enforcement on the ground.
“These specialised department-vandalism units actively monitor vulnerable areas and respond swiftly to incidents of damage,” he added.
Auma said the unit does more than carry out arrests, explaining that community involvement is a key part of the strategy. Residents have been encouraged to take part in protecting public property by reporting vandalism and pointing out those responsible.
According to the county, the approach is meant to build shared responsibility between authorities and the public, helping to protect projects such as pedestrian walkways, roads, and other public facilities from destruction.
“This combination of strong enforcement and citizen participation is central to maintaining the city’s public spaces, ensuring that ongoing projects, including pedestrian walkways and roads, remain functional and safe,” Auma said.
The move follows earlier warnings by the former Chief of the Nairobi County Environment Department, Geoffrey Mosiria, who had repeatedly raised concern over increasing vandalism targeting public amenities, especially in the city centre.
Mosiria had previously condemned the destruction and theft of newly installed litter bins within the Central Business District, saying the losses were undermining efforts to keep the city clean.
“It is unfortunate that the newly installed litter bins in the CBD are being stolen by individuals believed to be linked to scrap metal yards. We will be taking firm action against those involved,” Mosiria said last year.
County officials say the establishment of the anti-vandalism unit sends a clear message that the destruction of public property will no longer be tolerated. The county has stressed that protecting infrastructure is not only the duty of enforcement agencies but also a shared responsibility that requires cooperation from residents.
