Nairobi County Assembly (MCAs) members have intensified pressure on Governor Johnson Sakaja, citing persistent concerns over service delivery, revenue accountability, and uneven development in the capital. The scrutiny came during the Nairobi Business Breakfast Forum on September 17, 2026, where Sakaja engaged with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry. MCAs accused the administration of failing to meet devolved governance commitments, with Nairobi South MCA Esther Waithera Chege alleging that gaps in county services have forced the national government to intervene in projects under the county’s mandate.
Chege specifically criticized Sakaja for not fulfilling 2022 campaign promises, claiming some wards remain underserved despite available resources. She argued that the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) must reassess its strategy ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial election to retain the seat. Meanwhile, Waithaka MCA Antony Kiragu urged voters to evaluate candidates based on policy records rather than tribal affiliations, as MCAs demanded transparency in Nairobi Pay’s server locations and certified bank statements to verify revenue collections. These demands followed unresolved issues from September 2025, when legislators cited inadequate oversight without access to financial records.
Service delivery challenges persist, with ward representatives facing complaints over uncollected garbage, deteriorating public spaces, and weak enforcement of urban planning regulations, including unauthorized construction. The Energy Principal Secretary, Alex Wachira, recently called for President William Ruto’s re-election to advance national development projects. Sakaja, who confirmed in August 2026 that he had engaged with ODM officials but remained a UDA member, faces mounting pressure to address systemic governance flaws amid growing public discontent.
The political dynamics in Nairobi highlight a broader struggle over accountability and resource allocation. MCAs’ criticisms underscore the tension between devolved and national governance, while calls for transparency reflect public demand for fiscal responsibility. As the 2027 election cycle approaches, the administration’s ability to resolve these issues will likely shape its political future and the city’s development trajectory.