Nairobi is failing its people because of poor leadership, and Agnes Kagure says this did not happen by accident. She argues that the city has reached this point because leaders chose drama, greed, and personal interests over real work and order.
According to her, disorder has been allowed to grow slowly until it became normal. Kagure believes Nairobi now needs a serious reset led by people who respect the wishes of residents and are ready to work, not talk.
Agnes Kagure speaks from experience as someone who understands struggle and service. She grew up in poverty and worked as a house help before building herself into a successful businesswoman.
Her journey has shaped her view of leadership as something that should improve daily life, not create more problems. Through the Agnes Kagure Foundation, she has supported education and health programs, especially for women and children.
This work has kept her close to the real issues facing ordinary Nairobi residents, even without holding public office.
In politics, Kagure ran for Nairobi governor in 2022 but lost. Even so, she did not step away from public life. She went on to lead the Kenya Patriots Party and has remained active in community work and political discussions.
Many people now see her as a possible candidate again in the future as she prepares to vie for the Nairobi top seat.
Her message about Nairobi reflects frustration shared by many residents who feel the city is no longer working for them.
The problems in Nairobi are visible everywhere. Poor planning has led to overcrowded neighborhoods, especially in areas like Kilimani, where tall buildings rise without proper roads, water supply, or parking.
These developments strain services and make life harder for residents. Such issues point to weak enforcement of rules and a system where developers often get approvals without meeting standards.
This failure is not technical, but political.
Corruption makes the situation worse. There are repeated reports of officials approving unsafe projects for personal gain.
When this happens, public safety is ignored, and the city pays the price. Roads flood after light rain, buildings collapse, and traffic jams waste hours every day. Over time, people accept these problems as normal, which is exactly the danger Kagure warns about.
Security is another major concern. Some parts of Nairobi are now known as crime hotspots, forcing people to adjust their lives out of fear. Businesses close early, and families worry about moving around after dark. This affects the economy and quality of life.
Political unrest and frequent protests also disrupt the city, especially when essential workers like health staff threaten strikes due to unpaid salaries and poor conditions.
Economic pressure adds to the frustration. Many young people in Nairobi struggle to find stable jobs. While leaders often ask them to remain hopeful, real solutions remain slow. Opportunities in growing sectors like technology are limited for many skilled workers, leaving talent unused. At the same time, national policies often overlook the unique needs of the capital city.
Kagure’s call for a reset focuses on simple but firm actions. She believes order must be restored through strict planning rules, better public services, and serious action against corruption.
Leadership should be about results, not noise. Nairobi has the potential to work if leaders listen to citizens and act with discipline.
