Sakaja outlines plans to address Nairobi CBD insecurity
By Mabonga Makhanu, September 8, 2025Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has broken his silence on the growing insecurity in the CBD as he outlined plans by the city county government to curb the menace.
While speaking during a press briefing at City Hall on Monday, September 8, 2025, after meeting various stakeholders from the security sector, including the Nairobi Regional Commander, the County Commander, and NGAO officials, Sakaja stated that the county government has teamed up with KPLC to address street lighting issues, brought as a resuilt of vandalism by criminal gangs. He noted that many lights had been vandalised by gangs, creating dark spots so that they can carry out criminal activities effectively
“Tunafanya kazi Pamoja na Kenya Power na kenya police service Pamoja na wale officers wa NGAO na commissioner wetu wa Nairobi, kitiyo county commissioner Wanyonyi, na team zote kuhakikisha kwamba kuna usalama.”
The governor urged the police leadership to increase the physical presence of officers in the city during this critical period to reassure residents and deter criminals.
Sakaja further stated that the current levels of insecurity are lower compared to 2022, when he took over the city’s leadership. He recalled holding meetings with former Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome, after which insecurity was significantly reduced, though it has recently shown signs of resurgence. However, he assured Nairobians that the county, in collaboration with security agencies, is responding firmly to ensure the situation does not deteriorate.
“Mnakumbuka wakati tulikuwa tunaingia 2022 kulikuwa na visa vingi sana vya uhalifu, na tukakaa na aliyekuwa Inspekta Jenerali wa polisi Japheeth Koome, pamoja na afisi yake, na mambo ikatulia. Hatutakubali kurudi tena pale ambapo tulikuwa.”
Advice to Bodaboda operators
He also urged Bodaboda riders not allow criminals to infiltrate them and that they should operate within designated points to avoid such instances, saying that anybody caught operating outside the designated points will be arrested and face full force of the law
“Wale ambao wanafanya kazi ya bodaboda, majority of bodaboda riders are good people, nawasihi wasikubali watu wengine wasikubali watu wengine wasiingie miongoni mwao, kuwaharibia jina.”
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and report cases of vandalism and other criminal activities to the authorities.