This archive report was first published on 7 July 2020.
Nairobi, once a humble railway stopover, has evolved into a thriving metropolis, ranked the 10th most dynamic city in the world in the 2019 City Momentum Index.
However, beneath the city's global recognition lies a complex web of cartels involved in land grabbing, garbage collection, and other nefarious activities, which have hindered service delivery and exacerbated social inequalities.
A 2017 study by the International Development Research Center revealed that Nairobi county loses Ksh 7 billion each year to cartels, with residents of informal settlements paying double for water compared to those in affluent areas.
The creation of the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) under the Executive Office of the President has brought hope for reform, but the agency faces significant challenges in dismantling cartels and ensuring equitable access to essential services.
Major General Mohammed Badi, the head of NMS, has made significant strides in improving waste management, road rehabilitation, and provision of water and sanitation services, but more needs to be done to address the root causes of inequality.
It is essential that NMS works with other government agencies to dismantle cartels and ensure that all residents have access to essential services like water, sanitation, electricity, roads, and health facilities.
By uprooting cartels and promoting equitable access to services, Nairobi can move towards a more just and prosperous future for all its residents.
