Growing concerns over service delivery, revenue accountability, and uneven development are increasingly placing Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja's administration under scrutiny. Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) are demanding answers over poor services rendered to residents of the capital city. This comes as the county faces complaints over uncollected garbage, deteriorating public spaces, and alleged weaknesses in urban planning enforcement.
Nairobi South MCA Esther Waithera Chege claimed that gaps in devolved services have created circumstances in which the national government has had to step in to undertake projects ordinarily handled by the county. Chege accused Sakaja of falling short of his 2022 campaign promises, arguing that some wards have not benefited equally from county resources. She also urged the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to consider its options ahead of the 2027 Nairobi gubernatorial contest if it intends to retain the seat.
Chege's remarks come amid wider political manoeuvring around Nairobi, with Sakaja confirming in August that he had received approaches from ODM officials but saying he remained a member of UDA. This development has sparked debate about Sakaja's future in the county. Meanwhile, Waithaka MCA Antony Kiragu urged voters to scrutinise candidates through their policies and records rather than tribal affiliations.
MCAs have demanded that the administration disclose the physical location of servers supporting Nairobi Pay and provide certified bank statements to verify reported revenue collections. In September 2025, legislators said they could not adequately scrutinise the system without access to supporting records. This move is aimed at increasing transparency and accountability in the county's revenue collection.
The county assembly's demands come as residents continue to experience poor services, including uncollected garbage and deteriorating public spaces. Ward representatives have faced criticism for their inability to address these issues. The MCAs' push for accountability and transparency is seen as a move to restore public trust in the county government.
Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira recently called for President William Ruto's reelection to complete development projects in the country. This statement has sparked debate about the role of national government in county development. Meanwhile, Sakaja's administration continues to face criticism over its handling of devolved functions.
The Nairobi county government's struggles with service delivery and accountability have raised concerns about the effectiveness of devolution in the country. As the county assembly continues to push for transparency and accountability, residents are hoping for improved services and better governance.
Key points
- MCAs demand that the administration disclose the physical location of servers supporting Nairobi Pay and provide certified bank statements.
