Sakaja launches podcast to engage Nairobi residents on city affairs

Sakaja described the podcast as a digital version of the traditional public baraza, saying residents would have an opportunity to raise issues and respond to matters affecting the city.

“Kitambo, the Chief used to call people for a baraza. I want to do a digital baraza. Welcome to Discussion with Nairobi—on issues affecting you, development, everything. Welcome to the baraza,” Sakaja said.

In the first episode, the Governor discussed his administration's record, challenges in delivering projects and his plans for Nairobi.

Sakaja cited the Dishi na County school feeding programme, improvements at the Central Business District and investments in healthcare among the key achievements of his administration.

He said Dishi na County was providing meals to more than 324,000 children daily, while Mbagathi Hospital had acquired a neonatal intensive care unit.

“Go to CBD. It is different—order and dignity, pavements and so on,” he said.

On healthcare, he said, “Mbagathi has a neonatal ICU. We did not have ICU in the county; we now do have them.”

Sakaja also attributed some of the administration's progress to political cooperation, noting that he was elected on a minority party ticket and had to work with leaders from across the political divide.

“I got elected in a minority party and I had to make a decision to work with all the majority for the city to work,” he said.

He cited the Green Army programme, which he said had employed more than 4,500 people on permanent and pensionable terms, as well as an increase in Nairobi's own-source revenue from Sh8 billion to Sh15.4 billion.

However, Sakaja acknowledged delays in some projects, singling out the proposed waste-to-energy initiative.

“One thing that is waste-to-energy. Eventually, we shall get waste-to-energy, but the process has not been as quick as I wanted,” he said.

The Governor said implementation of the Urban Areas and Cities Act of 2011 would be among the key priorities in Nairobi's governance.

He argued that putting the legislation into effect would help reshape the management and development of the capital, while strengthening the case for increased funding for Nairobi as a major urban centre.

Sakaja also pointed to cooperation agreements with other cities and institutions as part of efforts to improve Nairobi's position as a regional and international business hub.

The podcast is expected to feature discussions on issues including waste management, healthcare, education, infrastructure and urban planning.

Sakaja said questions and reactions from residents would be incorporated into subsequent episodes.