Sonko’s moment to restore the lost glory of the city in the sun

In some quarters, cynicism greeted the candidature of Mike Sonko Mbuvi as governor of Nairobi. The then Nairobi senator looked awkward on camera and ill-at-ease with spoken English. That, however, did not detract him from his goal. Indeed, those who knew of the fanatical following Sonko commands did not for a moment doubt he would pull it off.

Sonko’s campaigns were low key for a man whose manner is normally loud. Opinion polls that placed him neck and neck with outgoing Governor Evans Kidero gave his quest impetus. After the August 8 polls, Sonko was declared winner by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.

After being sworn in as the new Nairobi County governor today, the work for Sonko begins. He has the chance to prove to sceptics he has what it takes to run Kenya’s capital city. That it takes more than just good academic papers to excel at work.

Already, he has hit the ground running. At least 1,000 youth have been hired to start sprucing up the city following Sonko’s win. Nairobi is important not just to Kenya, but to the region, Africa and the whole world. It is estimated 65 per cent of the country’s $70.53 billion GDP is in Nairobi. It is a centre of trade and commerce that needs prudent and pragmatic leadership to harness its full potential but sadly, it has been wasted.

The city resembles a dusty village outpost without the most basic necessities; adequate housing, regular and ample supply of water, proper drainage and garbage collection. The once reputable City in the Sun is a pale shadow of its former self. The running of Nairobi has proved tricky for so long.

East Africa’s biggest city is a legacy of dishonesty, greed and incessant power games that have seen the metropolis lose the glitter.

In 1983, the Nairobi City Council was dissolved and a city commission put in place. That too didn’t get things done. Surely, Nairobi’s six million souls deserve better. The country deserves better still. Sonko should avoid the pitfalls that saw his predecessor fail to deliver.