NEDP party leader Mike Sonko has revived youth and women’s groups in Nairobi for empowerment as he vows to take the NEDP “Uchumi Bora” campaign to all 17 Nairobi constituencies.
Sonko has stepped up efforts to popularise the National Economic Development Party (NEDP) in Nairobi, touring several areas of South B as he seeks to strengthen the party’s grassroots network ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Sonko visited Fuata Nyayo and Marigoini, where he met residents and local groups and outlined plans to establish and strengthen empowerment groups targeting youth, women and men across the capital.
The former Nairobi governor said the initiative would see residents organised into groups that would receive support and have direct access to him and the party leadership to discuss challenges affecting them.
He said the programme would eventually cover all 17 constituencies in Nairobi.
“Nairobi is my bedroom. This is the place that has made me, and this is the place that I should help to grow economically and development-wise. Through our party, NEDP, we shall do that,” Sonko said.
He said the party would focus on empowering young people and women to start businesses, create employment opportunities and become economically self-reliant.
“From today, we are going to the 17 constituencies, meeting youths and women and empowering their groups. Just as I have always empowered people, now it is time to act,” he said.
Sonko said Nairobi residents had for years been left behind economically, promising that NEDP would make economic empowerment a central pillar of its political agenda.
“NEDP is our party, the National Economic Development Party, to address economic and development ideas, starting with Nairobi. We are going to empower men, women and youths to start businesses and secure jobs,” he said.
He added: “For long, we have been left behind and there is a lot to catch up with. I am ready to make sure we realise our dreams of having jobs and ending joblessness.”
The NEDP leader urged his supporters to prepare for his planned visits to their constituencies, saying the party would combine political mobilisation with grassroots economic empowerment.
“I ask all my followers that I am coming to your constituencies and we shall revive Nairobi and make it better for all,” he said.
Sonko’s latest grassroots campaign comes as NEDP seeks to position itself as an emerging political force ahead of the 2027 polls.
The party received its certificate of full registration in December 2025 and has since attracted politicians, aspirants, grassroots leaders and supporters from different political formations.
Among those associated with the party are former Nairobi Governor Anne Kananu, who has expressed interest in contesting the Maara parliamentary seat in Tharaka Nithi County, and former Sports Cabinet Secretary Hassan Wario, who is expected to seek the Isiolo gubernatorial seat on the NEDP ticket.
Other political figures, including Maua Municipality Ward MCA Duncan Kangwana and former Kongoni Ward ODM MCA Jasphat Musami Kititi, have also joined the party.
Sonko has maintained that NEDP is not only seeking political defections but is building a broader platform around economic development, servant leadership, integrity and equal opportunities.
He has also been holding consultations with leaders across the political divide, including elected MCAs and political figures from ODM, UDA, DCP, NADP, Linda Mwananchi and other parties.
According to Sonko, the party’s growing appeal is being driven by Kenyans seeking an alternative political platform focused on economic empowerment and development.
The former governor says the ongoing grassroots mobilisation will continue across Nairobi and other parts of the country as NEDP prepares for the 2027 elections.
With the party now turning its attention to constituencies and local empowerment groups, Sonko says his immediate focus is to translate NEDP’s slogan, “Uchumi Bora, Nguvu Yetu,” into practical economic opportunities for ordinary Kenyans.
