Nairobi Passes Law to jail People Who Blow Their Nose Without Handkerchiefs in Public

The Nairobi County government has introduced a set of new rules and regulations aimed at keeping the city clean and hygienic.

The new regulations are contained in the Nairobi City County Public Nuisance Bill, 2021 that has been signed into law by Acting Nairobi Governor Ann Kananu.

Among the regulations include a ban on blowing one’s nose without a handkerchief or tissue paper in the city, urinating in undesignated spaces, spitting on the streets, as well as sleeping in kitchens or food stores.

The new law prohibits the discharge of dirty water, sewer, or effluent into streets or water channels, discharge of oils into roads or water channels, and obstruction of roads or streets.

It also prohibits residents from allowing trees and hedges in their homes or places of work to obstruct streets or footpaths, further criminalizing riding motorcycles or driving on footpaths, playing loud music, and smoking in undesignated places.

Acting Governor Kananu urged Nairobi residents to familiarize themselves with the new law to avoid being caught offside, saying: “Nairobi is the face of Kenya. We all need a clean and hygienic environment to live and work in.”