Nairobi gubernatorial candidate on the banner of Azimio-One Kenya, Polycarp Igathe, has proposed to introduce a single business permit to ease the cost of doing business in Nairobi if elected governor.

On the ambitious business permit plan, Igathe seeks to collapse various permits used by business people in the county into a cheaper one for easy administration.

In his manifesto dubbed “Nairobi Tunavyoitaka,” Igathe and running mate Philip Kaloki vow to transform the city into a global business hub.

“We pledge to establish Nairobi as the global hub in Africa for shopping, logistics, trade, industry, technology, innovation, financial services, investment banking, travel, tourism, sports, arts, theatre, culture and vibrant urban lifestyles,” Igathe says in the manifesto.

In his ‘Boresha Uchumi’ pillar, Igathe states his administration will facilitate a light manufacturing hub in every ward, eliminate unnecessary fees and charges, build 150 new modern markets and provide free wi-fi hotspots in public spaces and schools.

He says that once if, he will ensure preferential procurement by the county from Micro and Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

His administration will also facilitate market access, exports and linkages for MSMEs.

To implement his e-government, compliance and enforcement platform, the Azimio La Umoja flagbearer says he will launch staff career development and promotion programs for city-county workers and digitise service delivery as well as re-launch and rebrand the inspectorate department.

Igathe and Kaloki are also assuring city residents of essential services, shared prosperity, transparency, participation in governance, and high quality of life.

Vision for Nairobi

The corporate executive has designed his vision for Nairobi on three key pillars starting with ‘Stawisha Jamii’ where he proposes to enhance bursaries and launch a school feeding programme for children living in informal settlements and low incomes areas.

“To enhance social protection and wellbeing, the Igathe-Kaloki administration pledges to inaugurate the ‘Nairobi Foundation’ to coordinate the charity work for assisting the needy,” read the manifesto.

He further proposes to provide good healthcare, enhance social protection and ensure universal access to quality education.

Igathe is also pledging to provide clean water, proper sanitation, and effective garbage collection in addition to ensuring proper urban planning and land use under the Imarisha Mazingira pillar.

 In the abridged manifesto, Igathe and his running mate Phillip Kaloki stated that Nairobi deserves leaders who have the ability and willingness to get a job done.

 The Azimio la Umoja candidate has also promised to enhance safety, security and disaster management in every ward.