Tag: Sakaja News

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja’s recent photo op with American singer and chef Kelis is raising eyebrows. The encounter comes just days after Kelis documented her experience in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD), highlighting its vibrant but chaotic nature.

Kelis’s unfiltered video of navigating the bustling CBD streets went viral, showcasing the city’s raw energy with bustling crowds, honking cars, and pedestrian rights that take a backseat.

Following the video’s buzz, Governor Sakaja’s photos with Kelis ignited mixed reactions. Supporters lauded the move as promoting Nairobi’s cultural scene and engaging with international figures. Critics, however, questioned the priorities it reflects.

With challenges like urban planning and pedestrian safety plaguing the city, some residents feel addressing these issues should be paramount, not photo opportunities. Several comments pointed this out:

• “Sasa how does this improve Nairobi?”
• “Mr.governor, we need bins, not selfies.”
• “She challenged you on disorganization, not modeled with you.”
• “Isn’t it odd you took her out of the CBD?”

The incident reignites the debate about public figures’ roles: building connections or tackling problems head-on? While engaging with cultural icons can bring positive attention, neglecting pressing issues can leave residents wondering, “what about us?”

The Governor’s next move will determine whether this episode becomes a bridge to cultural exchange or simply a fleeting photo op.

The national association of bar, hotels and liquor stores (BAHLITA) and the Medium Liquor Traders Association (MELTA) in Nairobi have hailed Governor Johnson Sakaja’s directive restraining city inspectorates from night operations targeting nightclubs and bars.

BAHLITA’s national secretary general, Boniface Gachoka, said the move will not only see their businesses flourish but will also protect their investments.

“We appreciate the Governor of Nairobi for listening to the plights of our 7,000 Nairobi BAHLITA members and making a Solomonic decision of protecting our investment and passionate, hardworking and respectful employees ranging from managers, supervisors, DJs,” Gachoka said.

He also said they have been engaging the county government on cases of harassment from inspectorates that have been reported in the past.

BAHLITA has promised to cooperate with Sakaja’s administration to ensure that their members follow the law.

“We promise to adhere to all the laws and guidelines set and negotiate whenever there are challenges and to adjust according to the negotiated settlements. Through consultations and collaborations we see a mutual benefit relationship that will bolster investors’ confidence and growth,” he said.

The association also stated that it has sought a financial partner and an environmental expert who are helping their 54,000 members countrywide to fast-track and manage the issue of noise pollution.

Further, BAHLITA has announced a pilot campaign in Nairobi in partnership with “Lipa License, Hepa Stress” aimed at enabling compliance.

In a similar approach, MELTA chairperson Frank Mbogo said the Governor’s emphasis on ensuring compliance without resorting to unnecessary harassment is a commendable approach that recognizes the importance of a balanced and fair regulatory framework.

“As stakeholders in the bar and nightclub sector, we pledge our cooperation to ensure that all our members abide by the guidelines of sound pollution, uphold the laws and regulations set forth by the county,” Mbogo said.

The directives by Governor Sakaja have been welcomed by the bar and liquor industry, which has been a target of harassment by city inspectorates in the past. The move is seen as a step towards ensuring a conducive environment for businesses to operate and grow.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja’s wife, Beatrice, recently amused netizens by publicly declaring her husband the most handsome man in her life.

The declaration was made during a visit to Beatrice’s former high school, where she was accompanied by the governor. The couple took the opportunity to reminisce about Beatrice’s school days, and Beatrice also used the occasion to express her love and admiration for her husband.

The atmosphere was warm and joyful as Beatrice spoke about her husband, and the crowd was clearly appreciative of her public display of affection.

Beatrice’s declaration of her husband’s handsomeness has gone viral on social media, with many people praising her for her open and honest love for her spouse.

The couple’s love story is one that is clearly admired by many, and Beatrice’s declaration is a testament to the strength of their bond.

The Nairobi County Assembly has approved a school feeding program proposed by Governor Johnson Sakaja. The program, known as “Dishi na County,” will provide nutritious meals to primary school children in public schools.

The original budget for the program was Sh1.2 billion for food and an additional Sh500 million for the construction of more kitchens and serving sheds. However, the Finance, Budget and Appropriations Committee reduced the budget by Sh136 million.

The reduced amount has been allocated to various sectors, including Sh20 million for community engagement. The program, which was originally under the Health sector, has also been moved to the Inclusivity, Public Participation and Citizen Engagement sector.

The reason for the change in who will oversee the program has not been made clear. However, the CEC for Inclusivity, Public Participation and Citizen Engagement, Susan Silantoi, has recently been behind the ongoing construction of feeding kitchens.

The feeding program is aimed at 250,000 primary school children in Nairobi. The county government hopes that the program will improve the nutritional status of learners and encourage students to attend school, leading to increased enrolment, performance and progression to higher levels of education.

Governor Sakaja has cited urban poverty among Nairobi residents as the root cause of low enrolment in public schools. He has vowed to put an end to this problem by investing in programs such as the school feeding program.

President William Ruto has praised the governor for the initiative and promised to support it by allocating some funds for the construction of feeding facilities. The President has also hinted at the possibility of extending the program to parts of the country that have hardly been affected by the drought.

The school feeding program is a welcome initiative that has the potential to make a significant difference in the lives of thousands of children in Nairobi. The reduced budget is a disappointment, but it is still a significant investment in the future of the city’s youth.