Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja/FILENairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja says he is confident of securing a second term in office, citing his track record and the need for continuity in the city’s leadership.
Speaking at Inooro FM on Wednesday, Sakaja said he plans to return to Nairobi residents to present his manifesto and account for his record in office as he seeks to retain the governor’s seat.
He said a re-election would make him the first Nairobi governor to serve a second consecutive term.
“I will be back to Nairobi residents with humility, present my manifesto and account for what I have done and plead with them. I will make history as the first governor to be re-elected for a second term,” he said.
Sakaja argued that frequent changes in Nairobi’s leadership have disrupted development and left projects unfinished.
He said consistent leadership would give Nairobi residents the opportunity to experience the benefits of devolution.
“The start and stop in Nairobi leadership denies residents proper development and leaves projects unfinished. To give Nairobians a feel of devolution, it is good we have consistent leadership. I am confident we shall make history,” Sakaja said.
Sakaja's confidence comes months after he faced one of the biggest tests of his administration following devastating floods that triggered calls for his resignation.
In March, Governor Sakaja vowed not to resign following criticism after deadly floods in the city.
The governor spoke after heavy rains caused severe flooding in several parts of Nairobi, leaving several people dead and exposing weaknesses in the city’s drainage and infrastructure systems.
The disaster sparked anger among residents, some of whom accused the county government of failing to implement effective measures to prevent flooding and improve basic services.
Responding to the criticism, Sakaja maintained that he remains committed to serving Nairobi residents and addressing the city’s challenges with the resources available.
“I am not resigning, I’m working,” Sakaja said.
“And every day, I’ll do my best given the limitations that we have as a city. Of course, expectations are extremely high, and I understand them, but I genuinely put myself out there to solve the problems with what I have,” he added.
The governor said part of the financial strain facing his administration comes from debts and stalled projects inherited from previous administrations.
According to Sakaja, his government is clearing long-standing obligations before fully rolling out some of its own development agenda.
“I am paying old debts from the first administration before even implementing mine, stalled projects from 2014,” he said.
Sakaja explained that many of the county’s projects are being financed through locally generated revenue such as parking fees and land rates.
