Last week’s crackdown by Officials of the Nairobi County government on popular food kiosks within the Central Business District (CBD) has reignited debate on the need for the authorities to redeem the city’s lost glory.

The Nairobi City of yesteryears that was once dubbed “the green city in the sun” died under the watch of those handed the responsibility to lead.

During a surprise inspection aimed at curbing unsanitary practices among food vendors in the city centre, officials from the County’s Environment Department were shocked to find vendors using public toilets as stores for their foodstuffs and trays posing severe health risks to the public.

The kiosks where thousands of city residents working within the CBD flock to for pocket-friendly meals, were full of blackened cooking oil, strong odours, and an overall filthy environment, all of which raised serious concerns about the safety of the food. This should jolt the Johnson Sakaja-led administration into action. Nairobi city is filthy as a result of a lack of goodwill to restore order.

Previous attempts by successive governments of Evans Kidero, Mike Sonko and Ann Kananu have fallen flat due to corruption and backward regulations that have been fodder for ineptitude.

The gusto with which Sakaja began when he took over office suddenly fizzled out, with the governor now appearing helpless as the city is turning into a dumping ground for garbage, matatu and boda boda traffic violations and obstructions.

Illegal structures and car washes, street families and unsightly roadside eateries have become the norm under the Sakaja administration.

Matatus have virtually occupied nearly all the streets in the CBD and routinely block other vehicles, creating unending traffic jams.

Almost all the streets in the CBD, save for Harambee Avenue, perhaps due to the presence of high-ranking government offices, have been taken over by all sorts of hawkers, boda boda operators, food vendors, street families and muggers.

The city’s back streets and alleys which are full of uncollected garbage, have also been turned into cheap toilets and dens for illicit liquor.

All the positive reforms that the Nairobi Metropolitan Services under the leadership of Lieutenant Major General Mohamed Badi have been abandoned and replaced with total mayhem.

It’s time for Sakaja to spare city residents this filthy shame. Nairobi is not working.