Nairobi governor, Johnson Sakaja, threw jabs at former county boss, Mike Sonko, as he received four key functions the latter handed over to the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS).
Speaking on Friday, September 30, Sakaja assured the county that his administration will not use 'inducements' to sway decisions.
Referring to Sonko's administration, Sakaja stated that he only subscribes to tea. The governor was referencing the signing of the memorandum of understanding between Sonko and the national government.
Sonko claimed that he was offered alcohol before signing the deed of transfer.
"We later learned that other forces and inducements were used to encourage the signing. I want to confirm that this morning I have only served tea and the AG declined to take tea," Sakaja said jokingly.
Additionally, Sakaja noted that the staff at city hall were surprised to be addressed by his tour address, unlike the previous governors.
“When I came to city hall I found amazing people, I met the 10,000 staff, and they said they have never been addressed by the governor.
"When they assembled, it was to strike. I assured them that since this is a bottom-up government, I would start with them,” he stated.
The county boss received back key functions from the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) led by director general Mohammed Badi.
"Devolution is an amazing gift. It was the highlight of the 2010 Constitution. Unfortunately, some of these functions were taken to the national government," he added.
"I want to honour NMS. You did a good job despite the challenges, but we still need your help. I want to urge my staff that you are all one you are all staff of Nairobi county,” Sakaja acknowledged Badi's efforts.
He also added that there was a discussion centred around the county signing an MOU with the military to allow the latter to offer its services whenever needed.
On his part, Badi highlighted the massive accomplishments delivered by NMS since it took over some functions of the capital.
"Towards this end, NMS initiated the construction of 20 new Level II and III health facilities, most of which were stationed in low-income and marginalized areas in Nairobi increasing health facilities from the initial 102 as of 2020 to 119," he stated.
In a bid to decongest the Central Business District(CBD) NMS commenced the construction of six (6) Bus Termini outside the CBD.
