“Let’s make Nairobi work” manifesto: will it make a change?

We had a boring election, and I’ve never been this happy about being bored. Apart from the few hands thrown at the Bomas of Kenya, it was such a flex to see how surprised the neighboring countries were by our civic, mature, and democratic election process—never been prouder of Kenya!

This Tiktok video shows the growth we’ve experienced as a country

I’m writing this while laughing at the number of times I’ve postponed duties and made promises using the after-election line😂. The tension that had built up all over the country was insane. I’m glad we are done(hopefully) with the election season; life can now go back to normal.

This article accurately represents my political views, written by Nanjala Nyabola via The Nation.

https://www.thenation.com/article/world/kenya-odinga-ruto-election/

Someone suggested that we petition for the introduction of the NONE OF THE ABOVE option on the ballot; I believe that this will encourage young people to cast their votes.

Today’s post will highlight several promises made to Nairobians by Governor-elect Johnson Sakaja (Urban planning niched) that will aid us in holding him accountable during his term of service.

I examined Polycarp Igathe’s manifesto, which was precise, well-written, and widely distributed in newspapers. In contrast to Sakaja, he had a more straightforward manifesto for which people could hold him accountable. I also loved Igathe’s campaign strategy, the NAI TUNAVYO ITAKA concept, but it’s evident that Nairobians wanted to restore dignity and order to the city.

Polycarp Igathe’s billboard on Ngong Road
Snippet of Polycarp Igathe’s manifesto

Sakaja’s manifesto was launched as a professionally directed and persuasive video stream. which I thought was brilliant. He instilled a lot of hope that he will transform Nairobi. Some claim that women voted him in because of his looks.

If there’s a manifesto, most people, if not all, will remember it’s Sakaja’s and the single QR-enabled license/business permit for all businesses. Best belief, all of Nairobi’s business people, with kanjo’s on their necks, won’t forget!

In his manifesto, Sakaja pledged to build 20 new markets throughout Nairobi to support local vendors and ease traffic at the two main city markets, Gikomba and Wakulima, in order to create a welcoming environment for conducting business.

He will divide Nairobi into five boroughs if elected in order to decentralize control of the county. He will appoint city managers to lead each of the five, which are East, Central, West, North, and South. The needs unique to each area of the city will be addressed by the city managers.

Photo courtesy of Sakaja’s manifesto

Mr. Sakaja is betting on developing an integrated mass transit plan that will include smart solutions to decongest the city center and subsequently reduce the amount of time spent in traffic jams by 80% in order to deal with the ongoing traffic jams in Nairobi.

He intends to quickly address corruption and conflicts of interest in the waste management industry as well as provide adequate infrastructure for waste disposal by providing trash cans in both residential and commercial areas.

Summary of the manifesto

Congratulations to him, now time to deliver! We hope in 5 years time we will be checking the boxes of these promises. Here is the link to the video stream of the manifesto and also the document.

As you read through the manifesto, mark which promises you to want to see fulfilled and what other issues you want him to focus on. I’m curious, do you honestly believe this plan will make a difference in Nairobi?