This year, 2024, the transformation of Nairobi under the leadership of Governor Sakaja Johnson continues with the roll out of various projects. The year started with the roll out of the electronic Unified Business Permit (UBP), which combines the business, fire, food, health, and advertising licenses into one in a bid to make it easier for traders and to increase revenue collection.
The second phase of Dishi na County has also been rolled out, recarpeting of roads across the city – starting with CBD, garbage collection, issuance of bursaries and construction of markets are just some of the initiatives being rolled out this quarter.
Governor Sakaja remains committed in ensuring Nairobi is working. Some of the projects for 2024 include (and not limited to):
1. Dishi Na County School Feeding Program: At the forefront of Governor Sakaja’s agenda is the “Dishi Na County” School Feeding Program that is so far providing daily meals to about 184,000 school children. Recognising the critical role nutrition plays in academic performance, this initiative seeks to ensure that no school going child in Nairobi studies on an empty stomach. To complement this effort, plans are underway to construct seven additional kitchens across schools in the county. This expansion will not only enhance the efficiency of the school feeding program but also create employment opportunities within the community.
2. Bursaries: Governor Sakaja’s commitment to education is evident in the substantial allocation of KSh. 857,800,000 for bursaries in the current fiscal year 2023/2024. This funding is projected to benefit 124,100 bright but needy students, reflecting the governor’s dedication to providing equal opportunities for education.
Comparatively, in the preceding financial year ending June 2023, the government disbursed an impressive KSh. 1,025,000,000 in bursaries. This consistent investment underscores the priority placed on empowering the youth through education. In addition the ward bursary has increased in this financial year to Kes 7 million from 6 million last year.
In addition, the county government of Nairobi has a scholarship program to support the needy cases especially those in our four children homes. The ECDE has also benefitted through capitation to public pre-primary schools at KSh. 3,200 per child per year.
3. Infrastructure Development: Nairobi has a comprehensive infrastructure development plan that will see the recarpeting of some of the roads impacted by the recent heavy rains as well as construction of new roads. Currently recarpeting is ongoing in CBD – Mama Ngina Street and Kimathi Street – using 100 per cent county resources including the bitumen. There are also plans to continue lighting the city to increase security.
4. Green Nairobi: In a bid to enhance environmental sustainability and create employment opportunities, Governor Sakaja recruited 2,500 youth in the Green Army last year. They have played a major role in unclogging the city thus reducing the impact of the recent rainfall. In addition, the county received an additional 50 skips towards the end of last year to assist with garbage collection. Garbage collection continues across the county with the green army at the forefront of keeping the city clean.
5. Ground-breaking of Boroughs: In a move to further decentralize government the County Executive Committee approved the formation of six boroughs. The six Boroughs will be Central, Eastern, Western, Northern, Southern and South Eastern. Ultimately, each of the Boroughs will have “one plan” and “one budget” and will be managed by a Borough Manager. Each borough will have a service centre to ensure that residents in every corner of Nairobi benefit from localized projects and services.
6. Unified Business Permit: Governor Sakaja has introduced the Unified Business Permit (UBP), an initiative that consolidates various licenses – business, fire, food, health, and advertising – into one unified permit. This innovative move will simplify the licensing process for business owners, allowing them to pay for multiple licenses online and receive a single electronic permit. The UBP has now been activated as part of a deliberate effort to improve the ease of doing business parameters in this city.
These are but some of the initiatives being taken in 2024.
As Nairobi strides into this New Year, these transformative initiatives signal a promising future under Governor Sakaja’s visionary leadership. With a focus on education, infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and business facilitation, the governor’s commitment to progress is set to leave an indelible mark on the landscape and lives of Nairobi residents.
