Kidero vows to defend his seat, warns rivals to brace for tough race in 2017

What is your game plan for 2017? Will you shift your political base to Homa Bay County or be President Uhuru Kenyatta‘s running mate?

I am currently focusing my energies on serving Nairobians. Just to let you know I will vie for a second term. Nairobians have full confidence in me. Most of the projects I initiated will come to fruition in my second term. I might not achieve everything I set out to do in my first term. Change takes time.

There are reports that politicians in Nairobi under the Central Kenya Parliamentary Group are working an ethnic arithmetic to deprive you of the numbers at the ballot? Comment.

I am not worried because given the cosmopolitan nature of Nairobi, it is extremely difficult to push an ethnic agenda. Nairobi City County government has consistently served all Nairobians irrespective of their tribes. I would be more worried about communities living in Nairobi declaring I do not deserve a second chance than a few people pushing a misguided tribal agenda to divide Nairobi along ethnic lines. They should prepare for a tough contest.

What in your opinion ails ODM? We have instances where the party can hardly conduct orderly elections even at the grassroots?

What ails ODM Is mainly two-fold and ails nearly all political parties. First, there is always a minority select cabal in every party who feel their opinion or interest should always supersede that of every other party member even at the expense of democratic principal of allowing the majority to have their way. Second, ODM lacks professionals with a bias in management and organisational background in overseeing critical policy and implementation portfolios. Most parties have left these critical portfolios to passionate party members who may not necessarily know how to strategically project these parties forward. In my opinion, there is need to balance professionalism and passion in the management of party affairs.

You are on are on record saying Devolution ministry should be scrapped. Why?

I still stand by my statement that the Devolution Ministry should be disbanded for the simple fact that all the money meant for devolution at county level has been retained at the ministry, leaving governors with nothing to run counties. Devolution ministry was “illegally” created to curtail benefits of devolution.

Does the ministry interfere in any way with the running of counties?

Most of the ministry‘s roles are a replica of devolved functions carried out by county governments. What belonged to governors has been taken over by the ministry. It should be dissolved and its function taken across all counties. I also urge MPs to pass a law that will ensure the mandates and functions of the Ministry are streamlined.

As the first governor of Nairobi, in which ways, if any, would you argue devolution has improved the lives of Nairobi residents?

Devolution has changed lives. For instance, Nairobians can now access health services faster and for free. All essential services are now closer to the mwanachi.

This being your third year in office, what are the milestones of your administration?

When I was elected, I set out to solve the city‘s challenges. Solving these after nearly 50 years of neglect was never going to be achieved overnight. Nairobi needs long-term planning and investment – not just today, but for many years to come.

What have you achieved so far?

Sh8 billion, representing 27 per cent of our annual budget of Sh31 billion, has been allocated to the health sector. Drugs are now supplied on a regular basis in all the health facilities besides free treatment. In September 2015, we employed an additional 226 health workers. In 2014, I unveiled a 120 bed maternity wing at the Mbagathi hospital. I also donated 20 incubators. We continue to rehabilitate and improve Pumwani hospital. We have also done great work at Mutuini hospital in Dagoretti South and at Mama Lucy Hospital. At Ngara, Karen, Dandora, Riruta and Mathare North, health services have been converted into 24 hour facilities. Recently, a 25-bed maternity facility in Mukuru kwa Njenga was unveiled. We have also revamped Lady Northey Health dispensary to offer dental services. On ICT, we launched an electronic payment system “eJijipay“  in June 2014. This system has brought about efficiency and convenience in revenue collection. In May 2014, we launched a new masterplan that will bring with it urban development and redevelopment of old housing estates. On Water provision, the county government in its 2015/2016 budget has set aside Sh30 million for the expansion of water provision and sewerage services in all informal settlements. Overall traffic jams in the city have reduced by 30 per cent. Reported crime levels have dropped from 1,200 incidents per month to 300. We have started rehabilitation of street lights in the whole of Nairobi City to the tune of Sh953 million. My achievements speak for themselves.

What plans do you have towards giving the city a facelift and reorganising the transport sector?

Nairobi City County together with the National government, Kiambu, Kajiado, Machakos and Murang’a county governments intends to set up Nairobi Metropolitan Area Authority. The authority will be charged with the coordination of the Mass Rapid Transport System which is supposed to be in place by the end of this year. In the short term, we are reviewing matatu routes with a view of introducing diametric routes (routes that cut across the city) to remove congestion. We also have a draft awaiting stakeholder consultation and gazettment.

Matatu owners association, the traffic department have faulted your office over uncontrolled allocation of matatus terminuses along city roads. Is anything being done to end this mess?

Designated matatu terminuses were gazetted by the former Ministry of Local Government in 2000. The county does not allocate terminus. If for instance one buys a matatu, it has to be licensed by NTSA thereafter it is supposed to operate from the designated terminus. Nairobi City County is currently constructing matatu terminus outside the Central Business District namely; Murang’a road, Ngara road, Parkroad, Pangani shopping centre and Desai road. We are also rehabilitating existing terminus in Central bus station, Machakos, Hakati matatu terminus and Railways.

On the war against graft what is the success rate? With the launch of the county government electronic payment system to bolster revenue collection, would you say you are winning the war against the vice?

Corruption is something we continue to grapple with at all levels. We are currently creating a zero tolerance environment towards corruption; installing automated systems and processes that reduce handling of cash. Severe action has also been taken against staff members who have been found culpable.

How far have you gone with plans to refurbish markets and to ensure better hygiene and increased volumes of trade?

Sh93 million has been set aside for the building and rehabilitation of markets in Nairobi.  In August, we inspected repairs of the City market in Parklands. Once completed, it will be the largest retail market in the country.  Phase I of City market will soon be unveiled and will accommodate more than 1,000 traders who will be registered using the ejijipay system. Nairobi City County government is also rehabilitating the Dandora, Umoja I, muthurwa, Burma and Mowlem markets.

Tell us about the water vending machines and smart cards? Are these systems ensuring increased access to clean water in informal settlements?

For a long time informal settlements dwellers lacked clean drinking water. To deal with this need, the county in partnership with Grundfos, a Danish water engineering company, moved in and installed 45 ATM vending machines in Mashimoni village, Mathare Sub-County. The machines use smart cards with a self-service kiosk that supplies water for 50 cents a litre.

On the Pope‘s visit, can you assure Kenyans that everything is set?

Everything is set. The smooth running of Nairobi is my responsibility. We are doing all we can to ensure the two days pass off with minimal disruptions.