Published on February 28, 2024 by Agencies for Kenya Online News
Last Updated on 2 years by Agencies for Kenya Online News
By Kenn Okaka
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja is a man on a mission. Over the past one and a half years, he has taken the leadership of the county in his stride, transforming many sectors and streamlining operations previously held captive by vicious cartels.
Working alongside Nairobi County’s Chief Officer for Health Facilities, Geofrey Mosiria, Sakaja took deliberate steps in 2023 to improve the health sector, benefiting millions of Nairobi residents who depend on county government health facilities.
Under his leadership, the Nairobi County Government has made significant strides in transforming the healthcare sector, with a commendable track record. Governor Sakaja’s commitment to changing the outlook of Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital, the county government’s largest hospital, is evident through the installation of the first Intensive Care Units and a blood bank, which have become the heart of the city. Additionally, daily monitoring of hospital operations by Health County Executive Committee member Suzanne Silantoi and Health Facilities Chief Officer Geoffrey Mosiria has made a notable difference.
At Mbagathi District Hospital, the county government has installed a working incinerator, a functioning newborn unit with newborn babies ICU, and a laundry machine, along with rehabilitating washrooms, the maternity theater, and sanitary facilities.
Sakaja’s administration also ensured that Pumwani Maternity Hospital was equipped with patient lifts and a standby generator. The transformation of the City Mortuary, now renamed Nairobi Funeral Home, includes the installation of six new coolers with new cold room doors, providing a dignified send-off to the departed.
Furthermore, the county government has enhanced staff remuneration to boost morale, and Highridge Health Centre has been a recipient of the health sector transformation with the establishment of a cancer diagnostic center.
Several other health facilities, including the Sinai Memorial Centre, have benefited from the establishment of a rehabilitation center. The county government, under Sakaja’s guidance, has fast-tracked the procurement of health products and employed technology in health delivery, including procuring computers, biometric and fingerprint scanners for NHIF refunds, and self-sustainability.
The ‘Dishi Na County’ school feeding program, rolled out in August 2023 across various public primary and ECDE schools in the city, has earned global recognition for bettering the education of school-going children. Due to this program, learners are only charged five shillings per day for a hot lunch meal, enabling them to concentrate on their studies despite harsh economic times.
To de-congest the Nairobi Central Business District, Sakaja’s administration is working on streamlining the matatu sector and allocating street vendors to designated areas, solving the problem of unfair competition faced by shop owners.
Under Sakaja’s leadership, sports and creative industries have thrived, with initiatives such as allowing filming on Nairobi streets and renovating sports facilities like Joe Kadenge Stadium and Woodley Grounds. The Sakaja Super Cup football tournament, organized in 2023, brought together over 340 football teams from all 85 wards in Nairobi, producing several new young talents.
Additionally, the Sakaja administration has launched the Unified Business Permit, simplifying the process for business owners to comply with county government requirements. The county government has embarked on an ambitious plan to improve the road network, laying Carbro and tarmacking access roads in various estates and the central business district.
Inside City Hall Annex, a new state-of-the-art information center has been established, allowing the public to access various services conveniently.
Governor Sakaja’s dedication and strategic vision are propelling Nairobi towards a brighter future, restoring its glory and enhancing the well-being of its residents.
Kenn Okaka is a media and communications consultant.
