Since Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja came to office, the city has faced a series of challenges that have left many residents deeply disillusioned.

His campaign promised to restore Nairobi’s lost glory – a vision that, so far, remains unrealised.

That said, we must acknowledge a recent positive development: the rollout of modern, high-tech garbage collection bins across the city.

Officials said these new litter bins are both heat- and tamper-resistant, offering a much-needed upgrade from the previous inadequate ones.

Though coming late in the day, the initiative is commendable and could help the city in waste management.

The new bins also offer Sakaja an opportunity to begin redeeming his administration in the eyes of Nairobians.

For far too long, the governor has dominated headlines for all the wrong reasons.

Public confidence in his leadership has eroded, with many residents openly expressing their disappointment and branding his tenure a failure.

But the county government must do more than just install new bins. Officials must ensure that the receptacles are protected from vandalism – a recurring issue in Nairobi.

More importantly, the bins must not become symbolic gestures.

They must be supported by a robust, consistent, and city-wide garbage collection strategy.

As things stand, Nairobi is in a deplorable state – filthy, mismanaged, and reeking of neglect.

Furthermore, the governor must urgently turn his attention to urban planning.

The skyline is rapidly transforming, with skyscrapers sprouting across the city, but without matching investment in infrastructure, particularly in sewerage and drainage systems.

The state of the sewerage system, in particular, is nothing short of a crisis and requires immediate intervention.

Finally, we urge the governor to exercise transparency and integrity in all procurement processes related to this new waste management project.

The introduction of new garbage bins must not be used as an avenue to award inflated tenders to political allies or cronies.

Sakaja still has a chance to steer Nairobi in the right direction.

But that will only happen if he listens to the people, addresses the city’s long-standing problems head-on, and begins to deliver on his promises.