Motion: Nairobians to be able to enter hotels, drink free water and leave

The Nairobi County Assembly has approved a contentious motion permitting residents to access drinking water at any hotel or restaurant within the county at their convenience.

Roysambu Member of the County Assembly, Sospeter Mumbi, asserts that his motion aims to uphold the rights of every individual to access clean and safe water in sufficient quantities, as outlined in Article 42 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010.

Mumbi stated concerns regarding the non-functionality of public areas originally intended to provide free clean drinking water to county residents, particularly when they are in town for various activities.

"Given that the County has various public areas intended to offer free clean drinking water to residents, and recognizing that such designated areas have stalled and are no longer operational," Mr. Mumbi remarked.

To reinstate the right to access clean water, the motion proposes that hotels, restaurants, and eateries across the town open their doors to residents seeking free clean water.

The motion further calls upon the county government to restore the existing stalled public water points designed to offer free clean drinking water to Nairobi City County residents.

During the debate, some members argued for the recall of the motion to allow for further refinement, citing potential interference with private businesses in the county.

Karura Ward MCA, Kamau Thuo, expressed skepticism about the enforceability of the motion once implemented, despite constitutional provisions guaranteeing every person's right to a clean and healthy environment.

In response, the mover of the motion stressed that hotels and restaurants must comply with certain requirements, including providing clean water to residents, as part of the license renewal process.

The majority of members supported the motion, dismissing concerns about enforceability and saying the role of the executive branch in enforcing compliance through the inspectorate department.

The motion now awaits implementation by Governor Johnson Sakaja.