Dandora dumpsite waste pickers awarded Sh25.8m by court
Over 1,000 waste pickers at the Dandora dumpsite have been awarded a total of Sh25.8 million after the court found the Nairobi County Government and the environmental regulator in breach of their rights over air pollution.
The 1,032 waste pickers had accused the county government and the National Environment Management Authority (Nema) of failing to monitor the activities at the 47-hectare landfill and to ensure that standards in respect of air quality and emissions are met.
In a class action suit, the waste pickers moved to court in 2023, seeking to compel the Nairobi County government and Nema to develop a programme for the permanent rehabilitation and restoration of the dumpsite.
The Environment and Land Court agreed that the waste pickers had breached their constitutional rights.
“The petitioners have proved that the respondents are in breach of their fundamental rights in the bill of rights specifically Articles 10(2)(b), 26(3), 29((f), 42, 43(1)(d), 47, 69 and 232(1)(c) of the constitution,” said the court.
Five petitioners sued on their behalf and on behalf of others who derive a living from the dumpsite. The court awarded the waste pickers Sh25,000 each.
The waste pickers claimed that they play a crucial role in the informal solid waste management sector by ensuring a clean environment through recycling of waste, increasing the capacity of landfills and reducing water and air pollution from inappropriate disposal of waste.
It was their case that the authorities have failed to ensure that standards of air quality and emissions are met, which is in breach of the Environment Act.
They submitted through Kenneth Amondi that the county government and Nema are liable for the continued denial and violation of their rights.
The petitioners further accused the county government of failing to rehabilitate the dumpsite, hence exposing them to poor working conditions and violating their rights to life, health, food and housing and adequate standards of living.
Mr Amondi submitted that studies done from the year 2011 have demonstrated that the conditions at the dumpsite are inhuman, coupled with toxic chemicals and gases, which are a health hazard but the government had all along been reluctant to implement recommendations made.
They said in the petition that the regulator has failed to rehabilitate the dumpsite and manage waste in a manner that protects human health and the environment, and it is their argument that the move is intentional and causes emotional distress, for which they shall be seeking compensation.
“The respondents have failed to regulate the activities being carried out by relevant lead agencies as envisaged under section 9(2)(i), including enforcing restoration and rehabilitation of the Dandora Dumpsite ecology, thereby condoning air and water pollution by toxic emissions,” the petition stated.
The waste pickers said the low standard of life they have been subjected to takes a toll on their mental health, causing them to abuse drugs that turn them into zombies.
Their work essentially involves sifting through waste, which is done using bare hands and they have no other source of livelihood.
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Creatives & Coins Podcast
A podcast that dives deep into the vibrant and rapidly evolving digital creative economy in Kenya. This show explores the lives, challenges, and triumphs of individuals who are successfully navigating the gig and creative economies. From digital artists and content creators to freelance writers and tech entrepreneurs, we spotlight the voices that are shaping the future of work in Kenya.
Documentaries
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Fixing The Nation
Fixing the Nation is a bold and groundbreaking show that will take an unflinching look at challenges facing the Kenyan society and the solutions that can move us forward. It is anchored by respected journalists Eric Lattif, Janet Mbugua, and Mariam Bishar. Podcast created by: Nation FM
Fixing the Nation
Fixing the Nation is a bold and groundbreaking show that will take an unflinching look at challenges facing the Kenyan society and the solutions that can move us forward. It is anchored by respected journalists Eric Lattif, Janet Mbugua, and Mariam Bishar
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Primetime
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.