Mombasa Faces Public Health Crisis as Uncollected Garbage Piles Up, Activists Threaten Protests

Mombasa is facing a looming public health and environmental crisis as heaps of uncollected garbage continue to pile up across streets, residential estates and public spaces, raising concerns over possible disease outbreaks and flooding.

Residents have raised alarm over the growing waste problem, saying rotting garbage has remained unattended for several days, creating an unpleasant stench and exposing communities to potential health risks.

The accumulating waste has also raised fears that blocked drainage systems could worsen flooding, particularly during heavy rainfall, as plastic materials and other refuse obstruct water channels and drainage infrastructure.

Residents say the situation has made life increasingly difficult, with the stench from decomposing waste affecting homes and businesses while attracting flies, rodents and other disease-carrying pests.

The crisis has sparked growing criticism of the Mombasa County Government, with residents demanding urgent intervention to restore regular waste collection and improve sanitation services.

Human rights activists have now threatened to mobilise residents for street protests if the county administration fails to address the situation and clear the accumulated garbage.

The activists are calling on the county government to take immediate action, warning that continued delays could expose thousands of residents to serious health and environmental dangers.

They have also urged the county administration to establish a reliable waste management system, including regular garbage collection, proper disposal and improved drainage maintenance.

Poor waste management remains a major challenge in urban areas, where growing populations and inadequate sanitation infrastructure place pressure on county authorities.

Under Kenya’s devolved system of government, county administrations are responsible for refuse removal, refuse dumps and solid waste disposal.

Residents are now waiting to see whether the county government will move swiftly to contain the situation before it develops into a wider public health emergency.

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