Johnson Sakaja’s leadership as the governor of Nairobi has been widely criticized for a lack of tangible projects and effective management of the city’s challenges.
His administration has been accused of relying heavily on national government funds and the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) rather than implementing county-led initiatives.
Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi. Photo Credit: X
While Sakaja has sought to position himself as a youthful and dynamic leader, his critics argue that his tenure has been marked by public relations efforts rather than meaningful development.
Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi has been one of the most vocal critics of Sakaja’s approach. Wanyonyi described the governor’s leadership as ” PR government, suggesting that Sakaja has focused more on publicity stunts than actual progress.
This view resonates with many Nairobians, who feel that Sakaja’s administration has not lived up to expectations. Despite promises of change, the city continues to suffer from persistent issues like poor infrastructure, unreliable water supply, and traffic congestion.
Governor Sakaja, pictured here with Deputy Governor James Njoroge, chairs a Cabinet meeting at City Hall/FILE
When President William Ruto recently visited Nairobi, there was no big county-led project to showcase, highlighting the lack of development under Sakaja’s leadership.
Critics argue that this failure to present concrete initiatives reflects poorly on Sakaja’s ability to govern effectively. Many residents, including Job Onge’ra, a vocal critic on social media, expressed regret over voting for Sakaja.
” Those who voted for Sakaja Johnson must be ashamed.I used my brain and voted for Agnes Kagure and I will still vote for her or Peter Kenneth .
I do use my brain in making decisions Job Onge’ra Babu Owino Geoffrey Mosiria KE Edwin W. Sifuna.” Said one of the facebook user.
A screenshot from one of the frustrated Nairobi county residents.
Sakaja’s financial management has also come under scrutiny, with reports showing an increase in pending bills in his tenure.
As of June 2024, pending bills were reported at KSh118.3 billion, a massive rise from the KSh107 billion previously claimed by the governor.
This discrepancy has raised concerns about the accuracy of his financial reporting and the potential mismanagement of city funds.
These financial challenges, coupled with ongoing urban problems, have led to growing dissatisfaction among Nairobi residents.
The criticisms surrounding Johnson Sakaja’s leadership highlight a disconnect between his promises and his administration’s actual performance.
His reliance on national funding, lack of county-led projects, and financial mismanagement have all contributed to a perception of ineffective governance.
As the next election approaches, many Nairobians, disillusioned with Sakaja’s leadership, are calling for a change and are looking to other figures like Tim Wanyonyi, Agnes Kagure, or Peter Kenneth to offer a fresh perspective and a more competent leadership for Nairobi.
