Boni Khalwale Renews Attacks on Governer Sakaja in Fresh Dig
Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has criticized Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja for the disorderly state of the capital’s transportation system and the rising incidents of muggings in the Central Business District (CBD) in recent times.
Khalwale, in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), pointed out that the city is lacking essential order, with public transport being disorganized and further aggravated by a surge in crime rates.
Consequently, Khalwale urged Governor Johnson Sakaja and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki to promptly implement measures to address the situation.
“The Nairobi CBD is choking with matatus, coupled with bodabodas riding in every which way and muggings, at corners. The Governor & the Minister for Interior Security must put any other considerations to bed and clean up this mess & chaos,” the post read.
As per a 2019 report from the Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (NaMATA), Nairobi ranks as the fourth most congested city in Africa.
The report highlighted that the traffic congestion in Nairobi results in an annual economic loss of Ksh162 billion (USD 1 billion) due to decreased productivity.
Nairobi’s transportation issues have been a focal point in political campaigns, with candidates vowing to address the challenges upon election.
Governor Sakaja, the third elected Governor of Nairobi, pledged to restore the city to its former orderly and clean state. However, he has encountered numerous obstacles that have impeded the fulfillment of these promises.
In early 2023, Sakaja faced opposition to his plans to relocate Public Service Vehicles (PSV) termini from congested areas in the Nairobi CBD to more strategic locations.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua strongly opposed the policy, asserting that it would adversely impact Mt Kenya businessmen heavily invested in the public transport sector.
Faced with political turmoil, Sakaja had to abandon the plan, leaving Nairobi in a situation reminiscent of its pre-Sakaja era.
In Other News: Kikuyu, Kalenjin, Kisii and Luo overrepresented in public service jobs: PSC
Boni Khalwale Renews Attacks on Governer Sakaja in Fresh Dig
