Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has dismissed allegations from a recent Controller of Budget (CoB) report claiming that his administration did not allocate funds for development projects during the first quarter of the 2024/2025 financial year.
The governor provided a detailed breakdown of county expenditures from July to November 2024, which totaled Ksh 844 million, underscoring the administration’s commitment to infrastructure and essential services.
Delayed Exchequer Releases Cause Challenges
Sakaja attributed the claims to delays in disbursements from the National Treasury, which affected county operations for the first two months of the financial year. The initial exchequer funds were only released on September 23, 2024.
Despite these setbacks, the county relied on its internal revenue streams to ensure the continuity of operations, salary payments, and maintenance services.
“The report reflects payments made at different stages of project implementation. Development payments are processed after contractors raise certificates for completed phases,” Sakaja explained.
Breakdown of Ksh 844 Million Expenditure
Sakaja highlighted key development initiatives completed during the period, spanning markets, sports facilities, road maintenance, emergency services, and waste management.
Market Developments:
- Jujo Market construction: Ksh 26.1 million
- Mutuini Market upgrades: Ksh 66.9 million
- Boundary wall, gatehouse, and parking at Safe House: Ksh 12.8 million
Sports and Recreation:
- Mwiki Sports Ground rehabilitation: Ksh 27.1 million
- Joe Kadenge Artificial Turf renovation: Ksh 42 million
- Woodley Stadium completion: Ksh 45.8 million
- Umoja 1 Ward playground construction: Ksh 7.7 million
Emergency and Public Services:
- Procurement of fire engines: Ksh 18.9 million
- Renovation of City Hall: Ksh 14.4 million
- Public lighting projects: Ksh 104.5 million
- Solid waste equipment purchase: Ksh 216.6 million
- Phase I of Gikomba Fire Station construction: Ksh 30 million
Road Rehabilitation and Maintenance:
- Lot 14 Roads rehabilitation in Eastleigh: Ksh 35.6 million
- Maintenance of Accra and Latema Roads: Ksh 29.8 million
- Ronald Ngala Street maintenance: Ksh 17.9 million
- River Road repairs: Ksh 16.7 million
Commitment to Nairobi’s Development
Governor Sakaja reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to improving Nairobi’s infrastructure and services.
“We remain focused on delivering impactful projects that enhance the lives of Nairobi residents. Despite financial delays, we have shown resilience and innovation in sustaining development,” Sakaja said.
With these efforts, the governor aims to address the city’s pressing challenges while countering misconceptions regarding the county’s expenditure.
