Governor
Johnson Sakaja has addressed key issues affecting Nairobi county and emphasised
his commitment to improving the lives of residents and fostering a strong,
collaborative relationship with the national government.
Sakaja spoke when
he accompanied President William Ruto for a Sunday Mass at Soweto Catholic
Church, Embakasi East.
Speaking on a
range of subjects, Sakaja provided updates on his administration's progress
while also reflecting on broader national concerns.
A key theme of
his address was a call to foster good relations between Nairobi county and the national
government.
He called for
cooperation, rather than division between the county and national administrations,
suggesting that the President’s role in Nairobi’s development should be seen as
central to its success.
“Nairobi, as
the capital city, must have a special connection with the national government,
which would be vital for the realisation of the city’s ambitious development
plans,” he said.
Sakaja said it
was unfair for people to judge the President’s leadership solely based on the
first two years of his tenure.
He urged
citizens to give the national government, led by President Ruto, more time to
address the country’s issues.
“We need to
give Ruto time, he has only been president for two years. I was in Murang'a
recently and people were complaining about the Mau Mau roads. However, four
presidents have come and gone without constructing the roads and all the blame
is now on Ruto after just two years. Is that really fair?” he posed.
Sakaja made
an analogy likening the work of the government to that of a chef preparing a
meal.
Good work, he
argued, takes time to develop and just as a meal cannot be rushed, the fruits
of government action cannot be expected overnight.
“We must give
chefs time; there is an aroma for good work in the government,” he said.
Sakaja noted
that even the Nairobi Expressway, a major infrastructure project, was only
completed after years of work, illustrating the slow but steady progress that
governments must often make.
He suggested
that President Ruto should focus on building a stadium, a TVET, stadium and a
hospital in the city.
Sakaja’s
statements were supported by several high-profile political figures, including Senator
Karen Nyamu and majority leader in the National Assembly, Kimani Ichungwa.
Their
presence during the Mass further solidified the message of unity and
collaboration between county and national leadership, underscoring that a
collective effort from all political stakeholders is essential for Nairobi's
future.
On matters
county affairs, Sakaja laid out a bold vision for Nairobi - one that focuses on
economic empowerment, the strengthening of national-county relations, and a
commitment to peace and unity.
In an
impassioned plea for national unity, Sakaja underscored that Nairobi must
remain a model of peace and unity.
He spoke
about various projects and partnerships aimed at generating jobs for the youth
of Nairobi, a critical area of focus in a city with a rapidly growing unemployed
young population.
By prioritising
both infrastructural development and local enterprise, Sakaja said he hopes to
reduce unemployment and create more opportunities for young Nairobians to build
successful careers.
He started by
discussing the ongoing efforts towards provision of affordable housing, a
government initiative aimed at addressing the housing deficit in Nairobi and
across the country.
Sakaja
assured residents that affordable housing programme was working, underscoring
the significance of the programme in providing quality living standards.
His
administration, he claimed, was fully engaged in ensuring that the housing
needs of the people are met through such initiatives.
Additionally,
Sakaja highlighted the Dishi na County programme, an initiative that aims to
foster local food security, economic empowerment and 100 per cent school
attendance for primary school children.
Through
programmes like SHA, Dishi na County and future investments in infrastructure,
Sakaja expressed optimism that Nairobi will continue to grow into a more
prosperous and harmonious city.
“My dishi na
County programme, which children just have to pay five shillings is creating a
positive impact and in heaven if I’m asked, I will have done a good job.”
He expressed
his commitment to ensuring that Nairobi remains a cosmopolitan city, free from
the divisive effects of tribalism.
The county
boss encouraged the people of Nairobi to prioritise peace, highlighting that no
progress would be made if residents allowed themselves to be divided along
ethnic lines.
Sakaja urged
citizens to be patient and trust in the process, recognising that development
is often a long-term endeavour.
He stressed
that it takes time to manifest tangible results and it was crucial to give both
the national and county leaders time to deliver on their campaign pledges.