Mombasa County's Department of Environment had consultative meeting with the waste collectors operating in Mvita Sub county who use 'Mikokoteni' (hand cats) as means of transport. 

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They narrated to the department the challenges they face. 

 Led by Environment CeC Nato Nyongesa, it was agreed in the meeting that there will be no more transportation of waste at night, and that only those registered will be allowed to operate. 

The operators were encouraged to form groups on Tuesday that will enable them acquire motorised means of transportation.

However, several Mombasa residents questioned the department and Governor Joho Ali's capability of permanently eradicating garbage menace in the coastal county.

The governor has severaly been put on the spot by residents and critics over alleged poor waste management.

Citing the meeting, below are what some residents said:

"Omondi Nyadimo

They have turned shimanzi area into dumping sites..... They don't reach at the designated area for dumping...... The road on ur way to kibarani is dirty and smelly and we live around there kindly do something.

Mkuki Ozil

City is ver dirty everywhere why lie, county gov should make proper plans.

Thamat Hamad Said

Tetesi malori yalioegeshwa ya kumwaga taka yalikuwa ya mliki wa Mombasa Cement, walikosana na county boss, Mombasa Cement akatoa lori zake

Wacu Kihara

Where will they take the garbage and what is the Department's plan to do with it? Are you going to separate the different types of waste and recycle the plastic waste?"

On December 4, 2017, the department announced that it was placing new collection trailers at strategic points to enable public to place garbage before it is transported and disposed. 

Several trailers had been placed at Lumumba, Mwembe Tayari, Railways and St Johns.

 "Further arrangements are also being made to put the collection trailers at Mikindani in Jomvu Sub County, Government chemist in Kisauni, Pirates Beach in Nyali, Changamwe market, Likoni Sub County at the Fire Station and many more places within the County," said the department in a statement.

The collection trailers would be emptied daily. 

"Public are being urged to bag garbage in gunny bags (gunias) or NEMA approved garbage bags before placing them inside the trailers and avoid irresponsible dumping under or around it."

Environment officers say bagged garbage supports their safety and improves their efficiency in transporting garbage and also keeps littered garbage from blocking drainages, helps in maintaining the truck and saves the environment of unsightly dumps and smell. 

"Besides the collection trailers the department in partnership with University of Nairobi, is finalizing pilot designs for litter bins which will be placed along Nkrumah road, Digo road, Moi Avenue, Haile Selassie Avenue among other streets for daily use by the public," said the CeC Nato Nyongesa-led department.

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