In recent months, the streets of Nairobi have become a focal point of controversy and creativity as residents grapple with a steep increase in public toilet charges. The Nairobi City County’s decision to raise the cost of using public toilets from Ksh10 to Ksh20 has sparked a significant public outcry. This 100% hike, implemented around July, has been met with frustration, particularly among the city’s lower-income residents, who view it as yet another strain on their already tight budgets.
The Economic Burden
For many Nairobians, the sudden price hike has added an unwelcome burden to their daily expenses. Harun Kilonzi, a hawker who regularly works in the city, expressed his dismay at the unexpected increase. “I remember walking to a public toilet along Harambee Avenue, handed the operator Ksh10, but she declined and asked for Ksh20. I was shocked,” he recounted. For Kilonzi and others in similar situations, the increased charges mean that what was once a manageable daily expense has now become an economic strain. With the rising cost of living, including transportation and food, the additional Ksh10 per toilet visit is a significant concern.
Kilonzi, like many others, has had to find alternative solutions to avoid the mounting costs. He estimates that if he were to use public toilets as frequently as he did before the price increase, he could end up spending up to Ksh80 a day on toilet fees alone. This, coupled with his Ksh200 daily bus fare and money for meals, would significantly impact his budget.
Innovative Responses
Faced with the steep increase in toilet fees, Nairobians have resorted to various creative methods to avoid paying the Ksh20 charge. A common strategy has been to seek out establishments such as pubs, hospitals, and restaurants, where toilet facilities are generally free to use. These venues, not traditionally associated with charging for restroom use, have become an unintended refuge for those looking to relieve themselves without incurring extra costs.
However, this shift has not been without consequences. Some individuals, particularly at night, have taken to relieving themselves in less conventional and less sanitary locations, such as the walls of buildings, alleyways, and other public spaces. This trend has prompted a stern response from Nairobi County officials, who are now cracking down on such activities. The authorities are determined to maintain cleanliness in the city, and offenders are being dealt with harshly.
The Public’s Frustration
The increase in public toilet charges has not only led to changes in behavior but has also fueled widespread discontent among Nairobi’s residents. Many feel that the doubling of the price is unjust, especially given the current economic climate. With inflation affecting the cost of basic goods and services, the increased toilet fees are seen as an additional, and unnecessary, burden.
Those who rely on public toilets, such as hawkers, taxi drivers, and other city workers, are particularly affected. For them, using these facilities multiple times a day is often unavoidable. The abrupt price hike, implemented without prior warning, has left many feeling frustrated and unheard.
Conclusion
As Nairobians continue to navigate the challenges posed by the increased public toilet charges, the situation highlights the broader issue of affordability and access to basic services in the city. While some have found temporary solutions, the underlying frustration remains. The county government, while focused on maintaining city hygiene, may need to reconsider the price hike or find ways to make public facilities more accessible to all residents.
In the meantime, Nairobians will likely continue to employ creative and sometimes unconventional methods to address their needs. The situation serves as a reminder of the resilience and resourcefulness of the city’s residents, even in the face of economic adversity.
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