End of an era: Sakaja replaces rusty kanjo cars

Out with the old as Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja on Tuesday flagged off 19 new county fleets.

Sakaja said the new vehicles, worth Sh105 million, will assist the city inspectorate department in their daily work by making their movements easier.

“The other day I heard that you had apprehended people and the car got stuck, with prisoners inside. It’s a big embarrassment. I promise you that we will deal with them and phase them out. You will not see them again very soon,” he said.

“We said we want to give them dignity, but dignity starts with how we treat ourselves and how we treat you, the people of Nairobi."

The county boss added that part of his manifesto was to bring dignity to Nairobi which includes the services provided by the inspectors.

Governor Sakaja commended Isuzu Kenya for their collaboration, noting that they were granted the contract following a legitimate bidding process.

The city constable's "kanjo" has over the years been associated with old, rusty, rugged, frail and rickety vehicles that they use to patrol around the Central Business District (CBD).

Visually, the vehicles have faded paint with the Nairobi City County Inspectorate and Enforcement badge almost invisible, and windows are ‘secured’ with old and rusted wire mesh.

The vehicles mainly offer rides to unwilling passengers like hawkers and city by-law breakers who end up being arrested.

According to plans highlighted in the Nairobi City County Annual Development Plan 2022-2023, City inspectorate officers were to start using motorcycles for quick response to emergencies within Nairobi.

This is part of the Sh344 million the County Government of Nairobi is set to spend this Financial Year to boost the Inspectorate Department.

City Hall will purchase 10 new motorbikes at Sh4 million for the inspectorate officers.

“This is for effective and efficient service delivery that will promote response and timely service," reads the plan in part.

In addition to that, the department will also spend Sh40 million to purchase five customised motor vehicles to promote quick and timely services.