In the buildup to the 2022 election, current Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja was billed as the next big thing in Kenyan politics.
He was eloquent, had a firm grasp of issues and had the political charm that the electorate easily identified with.
Months down the line, Sakaja assumes the role of the Capital's third Governor, entrusted with the task of ensuring the seamless functioning of the city's intricate machinery.
Despite the magnitude of the responsibility, the youthful governor remains confident in his ability to succeed, emphasizing, "Lazima iWork."
Driven by his mantra, Sakaja has embarked on fulfilling the promises he made to the electorate including; creating job opportunities, improving infrastructure and setting the city towards a path of sustainability.
A year into his term, Sakaja has been lauded for various accomplishments, including robust environmental initiatives, healthcare improvements and the rehabilitation of 50 kilometers of roads.
He has also been recognised for the issuance of 5,000 title deeds, and the allocation of Ksh100 million in bursaries.
Additionally, he has successfully elevated the county's revenue collection to Ksh10.6 billion.
Notably, his school feeding program which ensures primary school children receive meals at a subsidised cost of Ksh5 has received global acclaim.
Prior to his role as the Capital's Governor, Sakaja, a former Senator of Nairobi, chaired the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare and served as the Vice-chair of the Standing Committee on National Security.
Sakaja has in the past been nominated among the top 100 Future Leaders as well as the World's Most Influential Young People in Government in 2018.
He was named the Change Maker of the year at the 2016 African Achievers Award held in Nigeria.