Nairobi residents woke up on Saturday morning to the sight of newly installed Glasdon Jubilee 110-litre litter bins across the city.
The overnight installation, carried out by City Hall officers, ushered in a new era of waste management, with heat- and tamper-resistant Durapol bins placed at key locations within the central business district.
By morning, pedestrians could be seen admiring the sleek, high-tech bins — the first of their kind in any Kenyan city. Their modern design and sturdy build immediately caught the public’s attention, adding a sense of order and sophistication to Nairobi’s streets.
Ian Momanyi and Caroline Wambura, Gen Z street photographers who earn a living capturing urban life, said the bins are already having a visible impact.
“They’re beautiful. Some of my clients are even asking to take photos with them. They’re not just keeping the city clean — they’re making it glow,” said Ian.
“This is the first time we’re seeing bins like these. They’re beautiful. Now let’s make good use of them and keep the city clean,” added Wambura.
“This is one project I’d love to see succeed. I hate how we litter everywhere. Good job, bwana governor. Also, City Hall should enact strict measures if none exist to support this project,” said Dolla, a passerby.
Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson, while inspecting the newly introduced bins on Friday night, said the initiative marks a significant step forward in the city’s public sanitation infrastructure.
Made from Durapol a tough, heat and impact-resistant polymer the bins are designed to withstand the challenges of Nairobi’s urban environment, from heavy foot traffic to harsh weather. Each bin features a domed hood to prevent rainwater accumulation and a three-point locking system to deter tampering or unauthorized access.
“These are not just bins. They’re a statement about the Nairobi we’re building one that values order, hygiene, and modernity,” Sakaja said.
The bins also feature an anti-flyposting finish to discourage illegal advertising a long-standing issue in the city. Internally, they’re equipped with corrosion-resistant plastic liners, and some variants include lightweight molded polyethylene for added durability.
Sakaja emphasized the importance of public participation in maintaining cleanliness:
“We’re investing in modern infrastructure, but real change will come when wananchi also take responsibility and dispose of their waste properly.”
The initial rollout has focused on high-traffic areas, with additional bins scheduled for installation in residential neighborhoods, public parks, and transportation hubs.
This initiative comes ahead of the launch of Green Nairobi Company Ltd., a new autonomous agency that will oversee waste collection and environmental management across the city. The move is part of City Hall’s effort to modernize and streamline Nairobi’s sanitation systems.
