Published on January 13, 2025 by Kariuki Mwangi
Last Updated on 2 years by Kariuki Mwangi
President William Ruto yesterday praised the Nairobi County leadership for fostering unity across the political divide to offer services to the city residents.
President Ruto particularly praised the city MCA’s who have supported Governor Sakaja Johnson, highlighting the county’s progress despite a minority of MCAs being elected on the UDA party ticket along with with the Governor. The President specifically acknowledged the bipartisan backing from the majority opposition, Azimio, which has strengthened governance in the city.
Speaking during a Church service at the United Pentecostal Church of Kenya in Dagoreti North, the President said the Sakaja administration embraced the spirit of a broad based government early and this has helped the governor and his administration deliver services to the city residents without political fights that arise from different party affiliation.
“Nairobi started a broad-based Government. Let me say, you understood the letter in the envelope. This unity is the way forward, and we will continue to support the county to perform,” Ruto said.
Sakaja, who accompanied the President to the church service defended Ruto from public pressure for delivery noting that the President needs to be given time to develop the country. Sakaja told President Ruto that the pressure was as a result of his hard work and ability to deliver.
“You find a road that has not been fixed by the past governments from independence but in two years they want President Ruto to have fixed it. The pressure your Excellency is because you are a performer. Please let us give the President time to work on this country,” Sakaja told the congregation.
President Ruto was accompanied by Sakaja Johnson, Dagoreti North MP Beatrice Elachi, and Dagoreti South MP John Kiarie, Makadara MP George Aladwa among a host of other national and county leaders.
Ruto lauded Nairobi County MCAs for their unwavering support for the Governor and pledged his support to transform the city.
President Ruto urged patience, noting that the city’s challenges are decades-old.
“I am deliberate about Nairobi. These problems didn’t begin last year; they go back 30 years. Together with the county government, we are committed to solving them,” he assured.
The President revealed that the national and county governments have allocated KSh 4 billion to address Nairobi’s road.
Governor Sakaja echoed this commitment, highlighting the county’s contribution of KSh 900 million to ward development projects.
“We have allocated KSh 23 million per ward to implement transformative projects that will uplift Nairobi,” he said.
President Ruto also announced plans to rehabilitate the Nairobi River, emphasizing that it should not serve as a sewage channel in a capital city.
“We are deliberate about cleaning up the Nairobi River. The contract for this project will be ready next month. In two years, the river will not only be clean but modernized with walkways,” he said.
In a bold move to improve education, the President reiterated his administration’s commitment to constructing over 5,000 classrooms in Nairobi.
“Nairobi is the face of our country, and we must transform it. We have allocated KSh 58 million to each constituency and will invest an additional KSh 1 billion this year to build more classrooms, bridging the gap between the rich and the poor,” Ruto stated.
Of the 5,000 classrooms, the national government will construct 3,500, while the county government will handle 1,500. Governor Sakaja emphasized the urgency of this collaboration.
“We have 210 public schools in Nairobi, but the number of learners far exceeds capacity. These 1,500 classrooms will help restore balance. Tunakazana kabisa (we are working tirelessly),” he said.
President Ruto and Governor Sakaja have in the recent past appeared together at public events sparking enthusiasm of fast tracked development in the city under the Sakaja leadership.
