The High Court in Nairobi has declined a petition seeking to suspend the operations of Nairobi’s Green Army program — a county initiative employing over 3,500 youth to clean and beautify the city.
The two petitioners had filed an urgent application seeking to disrupt the ongoing operations of the program, citing concerns over labor practices.
In their petition, they asked the court to:
- Stop all night and weekend shifts for Green Army workers,
- Suspend salaries for the workers until the matter is fully heard,
- Order the workers to return all county equipment in their possession, and
- Issue any other necessary interim orders.
“Our concern is the welfare of the youth involved ,” Jalang’o stated in court documents.
However, Justice Lawrence Mugambi, who presided over the matter, declined to halt the program. “I decline to issue conservatory orders at this stage Instead, this court shall set a clear schedule to allow the matter to be heard expeditiously.” Justice Mugambi ruled.
The judge directed that:
- The petitioners must serve the Nairobi County Public Service Board and all relevant parties within seven days;
- The respondents must file their replies within seven days of being served;
- The petitioners may file a response within a further seven days;
The matter will return for mention on June 25, 2026.
Justice Mugambi warned that “any party who fails to comply with these directions shall be liable to appropriate sanctions as per the law.”
The Green Army, part of the Nairobi County Government’s Green Nairobi Department, employs over 3,500 young people to maintain cleanliness and beautify public spaces across the city.
Despite legal challenges, the program remains active, continuing to offer jobs and environmental services across Nairobi
