Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson has clarified President William Ruto’s recent remarks that the government will partner with the private sector to clean up and light up Nairobi, saying the collaboration is purely focused on development.
Speaking on the partnership, Governor Sakaja said working with the private sector is not new and is key to accelerating development in the capital.
“Partnering with the private sector for the purpose of development is very encouraged. For example, after cleaning the city and collecting garbage taken to Dandora, we are partnering with a Chinese company to produce 45 megawatts of power. We already have an agreement with the government through the Ministry of Energy on a power sale arrangement,” he explained.
Sakaja said the collaboration model extends beyond waste management to housing and infrastructure development.
“That’s not the only partnership the President meant. For housing, through the Urban Renewal Project in our 13 county estates, we are partnering with the private sector on the other hand the national government is doing the same to deliver affordable homes,” he said.
The Governor emphasized that these partnerships are development-oriented and crucial for Nairobi’s growth.
“The national government’s hand in Nairobi is very important. This is the capital city home to the Executive, Legislature, Judiciary, and all critical offices. It is therefore paramount that we work together. For example, some roads are under the county, others under the national government, but mwananchi doesn’t care who owns them they just want delivery. Partnership helps us speed up that development,” Sakaja said.
On the city’s lighting plan, the Governor revealed discussions with the Ministry of Energy, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), and Kenya Power to address insecurity linked to poorly lit streets.
“We need about 70,000 more lights in the city. I’ve spoken to the Energy CS, EPRA, and Kenya Power about how we can achieve this. I’ve proposed that part of the rural electrification levy paid by urban consumers be redirected to city lighting,” he noted.
Sakaja explained that Nairobi residents contribute to a 3.4 percent rural electrification tariff in their electricity bills, yet many estates remain in darkness.
“Nairobi residents pay around KSh 8 billion per month in electricity bills. If we channel that share into lighting up our city, we can make Nairobi bright and safe in the shortest time possible,” he said.
He added that officials from key energy agencies have agreed in principle with the proposal, pending President Ruto’s approval.
“The relevant leaders have supported this idea and agreed that we present it to the President for approval. It doesn’t require any amendment to the law it’s the same tariff. Nairobi residents should not be disadvantaged,” he concluded.
If approved, the proposal is expected to significantly improve street lighting, reduce insecurity, and extend business hours across the capital.
