Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has underscored the importance of discipline
and adherence to the law across the capital, warning that lawlessness and
disorder will no longer be tolerated.
Speaking during the Jukwaa La Usalama Nairobi Edition, Sakaja stressed that
whether it is nightclubs, boda boda riders, garbage collectors, or hawkers, all
residents must operate within the law for the city to function and thrive.
“I want to assure you we will have order in our
city. Rules have to be followed by everyone, whether it is nightclubs, boda
bodas, garbage collectors, or hawkers. Let’s all play our part so that Nairobi
can function effectively,” Sakaja said.
On waste management, the Governor voiced
concern over rogue private garbage collectors accused of illegally dumping
waste across the city.
He revealed that, in collaboration with the NTSA, the county will revoke
licenses and seize number plates of those flouting regulations.
“We are serious about this. We have already
employed 4,000 personnel under the Green Army, invested in more tippers and
compactors, and signed a waste-to-energy agreement that will generate 45MW of
power from waste. In addition, 10 percent of every water bill will go towards
sustaining Green Nairobi Company Limited to ensure effective collection and
disposal of waste,” he explained.
Addressing boda boda operators, Sakaja
acknowledged complaints about harassment but reminded riders to follow traffic
laws to reduce accidents and clashes with enforcement officers.
“If we all follow the law, no one will be
arrested or harassed. Let’s all do our part, and order will prevail,” he said.
The Governor also raised alarm over illegal
billboards allegedly erected under political protection, vowing to pull them
down along major roads including Loitoktok and James Gichuru.
“How do you put up illegal billboards at night
and then threaten officers who try to remove them? We will enforce the law and
restore order,” Sakaja said.
On hawkers, he struck a balanced tone,
recognizing their right to earn a living but insisting they must respect
designated spaces and times to avoid blocking pavements or clashing with
licensed businesses.
Public officers, he added, must also be
treated with dignity. “In some countries, if you attack a firefighter, you go
straight to jail. Here, our officers are sometimes attacked while serving the
public.
That must stop. They work for us all,
and they deserve respect,” Sakaja noted.
The Governor further highlighted ongoing
county investments in infrastructure across all 85 wards—from Kilimani and
Embakasi to Starehe, Eastleigh, Zimmerman, Roysambu, Westlands, and
Lavington—including drainage, roads, and walkways.
