Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko on Wednesday, October 16, admitted to failing in effectively governing Nairobi as President Uhuru Kenyatta watched.
Speaking during the official commissioning of the Nairobi Expressway from JKIA to Westlands along Mombasa Road, Sonko stated there were cartels deeply ingrained in the county governance structures that were undermining his administration. He added that his efforts to deal with the said cartels had been fruitless.
"Mr. President, ninaomba unisaidie kupigana na cartels in Nairobi. Wamenilemea...wako kila mahali. (Mr. President, I am pleading for your assistance in dismantling the cartels in Nairobi County. They are in every department and very powerful)" he stated.
He further appealed for the president's intervention in moving important departments under the county back to the national government.
The county head singled out the department of urban planning, where crucial decisions regarding the buildings in the county are made, as the most corrupt.
He further faulted the operations in the planning department of the county after the collapse of a classroom at Precious Talent School where he alleged that no follow-ups had been conducted.
He further called on the president to have the presidential directive for the protection of lands belonging to schools, enforced and prevent land grabbers from taking over.
"District Commissioners are threatening the residents and illegally evicting schools. We are praying for you to give a presidential directive to protect the school properties," he stated.
The upgraded Nairobi-Mombasa toll road is intended to facilitate faster transit and improved connectivity between Nairobi and Mombasa. It is expected to reduce the travel time between Nairobi and Mombasa from ten hours to four hours.
According to the government, the dual carriageway will reduce logistical costs and address roadway safety between the cities. It is also expected to be a key growth driver for enhancing the transportation infrastructure and economic development along the Nairobi-Mombasa corridor in Kenya.
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