Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has dismissed calls for his resignation following widespread flooding and disruption in the city, insisting he remains focused on addressing the capital’s challenges despite mounting criticism.

Speaking on Sunday, March 8, 2026, after heavy rains that left parts of Nairobi flooded and caused widespread damage, Sakaja said he is committed to working within the limitations facing the county government.

“I am not resigning. I am working, and every day I do my best given the limitations we have as a city,” Sakaja said. “Expectations are extremely high, and I understand them, but I genuinely put myself out there to solve the problems with what I have.”

The governor defended the county’s emergency response measures, including the deployment of rescue boats during flooding incidents in several estates.

“The boats are quite necessary. If you go to Infinity in Mwiki in Kasarani, the only way people were rescued was by using boats,” he said. “People made fun of it. Leadership is not always popular.”

Sakaja also argued that the scale of investment required to modernise the capital far exceeds the county’s current financial capacity.

“The sheer amount required for a capital of our stature if we want to go to Singapore is a minimum of Ksh60 billion,” he said. “Otherwise, I am a glorified cashier paying salaries.”

The governor, however, ruled out compensation for residents who lost property or livelihoods during the flooding, arguing that several affected areas fall outside the county’s jurisdiction.

“There is none, but that is a discussion to be had,” he said when asked about compensation. “If your car got messed up on the Expressway, why would the county compensate you? It’s not the county’s road.”

He added that many of the damaged roads and infrastructure are under national government agencies rather than the county government.

“All these places that had problems are not under the purview of the county. I will not take responsibility for something that is not my function,” Sakaja said.

Responding to criticism about his whereabouts during the disaster, the governor said he remained in the city coordinating response efforts rather than appearing publicly at the scene.

“I was in the city, but I had to quickly convene response teams,” he said. “I had to call KURA, I had to speak to KeNHA and the Minister of Public Service. What would have been PR would have been going out with the raincoat and gumboots and hampering the rescue process.”

Sakaja said the flooding has highlighted long-standing urban management challenges in the capital, particularly waste disposal and drainage.

“These floods over the past 72 hours have been an affirmation of what we are doing,” he said. “They have shown Nairobians why there is a need for us to all take responsibility, for us to look at how we dump and how we treat garbage.”

The governor said the county is implementing a comprehensive waste management system covering collection, transfer stations and recycling, with new facilities planned in Ruai and Dandora.

“In a few months, this city is going to be the cleanest city. Things are going to be flowing,” Sakaja said.

His remarks come amid growing public frustration over flooding, traffic disruptions and waste management challenges that have plagued the capital following days of intense rainfall.