Sonko intensifies NEDP grassroots campaign with Nairobi empowerment drive

The former Nairobi governor said the initiative, branded under the party's "Uchumi Bora" campaign, will be rolled out across all 17 constituencies in the capital, combining political mobilisation with economic empowerment programmes.

Speaking during visits to Fuata Nyayo and Marigoini in South B, Sonko met residents and local community groups, where he announced plans to establish and strengthen organised groups for youth, women and men to facilitate access to economic support and engagement with the party leadership.

He said the groups would provide a platform for residents to raise issues affecting their communities while benefiting from empowerment initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods.

"Nairobi is my bedroom. This is the place that has made me, and this is the place that I should help to grow economically and development-wise. Through our party, NEDP, we shall do that," Sonko said.

He said the party would prioritise economic empowerment by supporting young people and women to start businesses, create employment opportunities and become financially self-reliant.

"From today, we are going to the 17 constituencies, meeting youths and women and empowering their groups. Just as I have always empowered people, now it is time to act," he said.

Sonko argued that many Nairobi residents had been left behind economically and said addressing unemployment and expanding economic opportunities would be central to the party's agenda.

"NEDP is our party, the National Economic Development Party, to address economic and development ideas, starting with Nairobi. We are going to empower men, women and youths to start businesses and secure jobs," he said.

He added: "For long, we have been left behind and there is a lot to catch up with. I am ready to make sure we realise our dreams of having jobs and ending joblessness."

The NEDP leader urged supporters to prepare for his planned visits across Nairobi, saying the party intended to combine grassroots organising with community-based economic initiatives.

"I ask all my followers that I am coming to your constituencies and we shall revive Nairobi and make it better for all," he said.

The mobilisation drive comes as NEDP seeks to strengthen its profile ahead of the 2027 elections. The party received its certificate of full registration in December 2025 and has since attracted politicians, aspirants and grassroots leaders from various political formations.

Among those associated with the party are former Nairobi Governor Anne Kananu, who has declared interest in the Maara parliamentary seat in Tharaka Nithi County, and former Sports Cabinet Secretary Hassan Wario, who is expected to contest the Isiolo gubernatorial seat on the NEDP ticket.

Others who have joined the party include Maua Municipality Ward MCA Duncan Kangwana and former Kongoni Ward ODM MCA Jasphat Musami Kititi.

Sonko has maintained that NEDP is positioning itself as a platform focused on economic development, servant leadership, integrity and equal opportunity rather than merely attracting political defections.

He said the party has also been engaging leaders from across the political divide, including elected MCAs and members of ODM, UDA, DCP, NADP, Linda Mwananchi and other political parties.

According to Sonko, the party's growing support reflects increasing demand for an alternative political platform centred on economic empowerment and development.

He said the grassroots mobilisation campaign would continue in Nairobi before expanding to other parts of the country as NEDP prepares for the 2027 General Election, with the party seeking to translate its slogan, "Uchumi Bora, Nguvu Yetu," into tangible economic opportunities for Kenyans.