Nairobi MCAs have pledged their support for governor Mike Sonko as he works to fulfill his promises to residents following his deputy's resignation.
Majority chief whip Chege Mwaura noted they were elected alongside Sonko so they owe the people cooperation for the sake of proper services.
"We have pledged our support," he said on Thursday after their meeting with the county boss at a Ruiru hotel.
His sentiments were echoed by Sonko who noted the
pillar of his manifesto is the development of all of Nairobi's wards.
The governor said he and the MCAs reached an agreement for tangible investments.
"What Nairobians want is for us to fix roads, drainage systems and collect waste within our wards. It is only through the Ward Development Fund that we can realise all this. The essence of devolution was to bring decision making to the local level," he said.
"The county government shall release up to Sh400 million towards the Ward Development Fund and I have authorised the immediate opening of the Ward Development Fund Account."
Nairobi MCAs during their meeting with governor Mike Sonko at a Ruiru hotel, January 18, 2018. /Courtesy
Nairobi will also construct a bus terminus to help decongest the city.
Sonko further promised to ensure devolution works through a good working relationship between the executive and the assembly.
He added that he had
approved car and mortgage facilities for MCAs but recommended that they secure these loans using their salaries as collateral, instead of log books and title deeds.
On garbage collection, Sonko said the county has advertised for garbage collection contracts which will be transparently awarded at ward level and the programme managed by MCAs.
"To ensure effective garbage collection, each ward shall be allocated a truck and necessary equipment. Youth groups within their respective wards are encouraged to bid to undertake garbage collection."
The governor also pledged to facilitate salaries for county staff after the county sealed loopholes to stop loss of revenue.
"For the first time in many years, staff salaries were paid before Christmas as promised and this was purely from our local revenues. Our January salaries shall also be paid next week."
He added: "My administration will make every effort to have a city where water is safe, accessible, affordable and regular.
Sonko has turned his focus to his campaign pledges following deputy governor Polycarp Igathe's resignation.
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