Why private sector can’t change Nairobi

by John Njiraini

Lack of a clear plan is discouraging private sector participation to transform Nairobi into a modern city.

General Electric (GE) President and CEO for East, West and Central Africa, Lazarus Angbazo reckons that while the private sector wants to help in modernisation of the city, there is need for a well structured plan.

"There are a lot of financers looking for well structured projects, and making them viable requires proper planning," he said during a forum on African cities.

Attractive hub

The comment comes at a time when the Nairobi Metropolitan Ministry is looking for Sh33 trillion over the next 20 years to transform the city to a modern metropolis, with the necessary and functioning amenities.

With Nairobi expected to have seven million inhabitants by 2050, it is anticipated that only an overhaul of the city would make it an attractive hub for investors seeking for opportunities.

The city is facing numerous challenges including inadequate housing, poor drainage and sanitation systems, crumbling infrastructure. Other are unreliable water, energy and transport services, poverty, rising insecurity and disaster unpreparedness.

"Planning has been a major challenge and must be addressed,"said Mr John Maina, Nairobi Metropolitan Ministry development secretary. He added the Government expects the private sector to contribute 90 per cent of the funds to transform the city.

To encourage private sector participation, the Ministry is developing a clear well defined plan and a national planning competition is ongoing, with proposals expected to be ready in January next year.

According to Angbazo, GE is seeking to partner with the Ministry and the Vision 2030 Delivery Secretariat to achieve sustainable transformation of the city.

The company wants to provide solutions in energy supply, effective water management, better transport, efficient public lighting, security and improved healthcare.