Nairobi Governor Sakaja Gets a Sh500 Million Official Residence

The Nairobi City County government is expected to spend Sh500 million for the construction of an official residence for the governor in the next financial year, which starts in July.

The county government is also seeking an additional Sh88 million for the purchase of new cars for Governor Johnson Sakaja and Deputy Governor Njoroge Muchiri, according to a document tabled before the Nairobi County Assembly Justice and Legal Affairs Committee.

Chief Officer in the office of the governor Priscilla Mahinda said Sakaja and Muchiri have been using personal vehicles to run county functions since they assumed office last year.

The move comes barely six months after Governor Sakaja rejected the planned construction of the offices of the governor and purchase of luxury cars, arguing that he does not need an official residence and official cars. 

Sakaja, who had accompanied President Ruto during a tour of Kibra in October, said the funds would instead be spent on the construction of markets in the city and creation of jobs for youths.

“I have just seen a budget which is allocating Sh500 million for the construction of governors’ and deputy governors’ houses. I have asked them to reallocate the money to other priority projects like the construction of markets and the creation of jobs for our young people,” said Sakaja.

He added: “I already have a place where I live, why do I need Sh500 million for another residence? Let’s work for our people.”