Sakaja rolls out vision to transform Nairobi into Africa's cleanest city

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has outlined his ambitious vision to transform the city into the cleanest in Africa.

The Governor on Sunday expressed gratitude to President William Ruto for allocating Sh4 billion to recarpet and improve Nairobi’s roads.

He assured Nairobians that the county is working closely with the Ministry of Transport to ensure all roads are rehabilitated.

“We have welcomed the President’s move to inject Sh4 billion into our road projects. This collaboration will help us make all roads accessible. Give us time and we shall deliver,” he said.

He spoke during a church service in Dagoretti North on Sunday. President William Ruto attended the service.

Governor Sakaja also lauded the President’s leadership in the ongoing Nairobi River clean-up project, highlighting its transformative potential for both the environment and local economies.

“This project will not only clean the river but also change the surrounding areas, creating a healthier environment for people to work and live in,” he said.

Sakaja assured Nairobians that these changes would be felt progressively throughout the year.

As part of his strategy, the county boss on Thursday acquired 24 refuse compactors to improve garbage collection in the city county’s markets, corridors and other designated areas.

The move complements the efforts of the county’s 3,500-member Green Army, a team of young men and women dedicated to maintaining the city’s cleanliness.

“The 24 compactors will help us collect garbage more efficiently,” Sakaja said on Sunday when he attended the United Pentecostal Church of Kenya in Dagoretti North.

“We want those in charge to take their work seriously because cleanliness is not a one-time activity but a continuous routine.”

Speaking during the commissioning of the refuse compactors, the governor announced plans to establish Green Nairobi Company Limited, a new parastatal dedicated to maintaining the city’s cleanliness.

Modelled after Nairobi Water, Sakaja said the company will operate independently to ensure consistent funding and streamlined operations

“This entity will bring efficiency and accountability to waste management. Garbage collectors will remain part of the system but will follow new procedures designed to enhance effectiveness,” Sakaja explained.

The launch of the refuse trucks, alongside initiatives such as the Green Army and the upcoming Green Nairobi Company, underscores Sakaja’s commitment to delivering a cleaner, greener and more livable Nairobi.

Commenting on the relocation of hawkers from the CBD, he assured that the city’s ongoing clean-up initiatives are not targeted at them but aim to bring order and cleanliness to the bustling metropolis.

“We have started the year on an optimistic note. We are not fighting hawkers, we are moving them to the backstreets so that Nairobi can be an orderly city,” Sakaja said

“Let us adhere to this to achieve cleanliness. Nairobi will be the cleanest city in Africa.”