Babu Owino Unveils ‘Nairobi First’ Agenda, Pledges to Fix City in One Term

Babu Owino unveils his ‘Nairobi First’ agenda, promising to transform the capital and deliver key solutions to residents within his first term if elected Governor of Nairobi (Photo credits).

By: Gladys Karuga

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has unveiled his “Nairobi First” agenda as he seeks to become the next Governor of Nairobi, promising to transform the capital into a cleaner, safer, greener and more economically vibrant city within one term.

Owino’s plan focuses on six key areas that he says require urgent attention, including waste management, flooding, traffic and mobility, jobs and the economy, as well as the protection and expansion of Nairobi’s green spaces.

Under his “Clean Nairobi” proposal, Owino says his administration would establish a waste-management system that works, with reliable garbage collection, proper waste and recycling facilities, enforcement against illegal dumping and cleaner streets.

On flooding, the gubernatorial hopeful proposes cleaning and expanding drainage systems, identifying and fixing flood hotspots, protecting natural waterways and stopping construction on critical waterways. He also proposes improved stormwater management to ensure Nairobi is better prepared for heavy rains.

Owino’s plan also seeks to address Nairobi’s persistent traffic congestion. His proposals include better roads and walkways, improved public transport infrastructure, expanded cycling infrastructure and the use of technology to improve traffic management.

He argues that reducing the amount of time Nairobi residents spend in traffic would improve productivity and give residents more time for work, business and family.

On jobs and the economy, Owino promises to support small businesses and traders, create more opportunities for young people, develop skills and entrepreneurship programmes, lower the cost of starting and operating businesses and connect Nairobi residents to employment opportunities.

The plan also places emphasis on creating a “Green Nairobi”, with proposals to protect and expand green spaces, restore degraded areas, increase tree cover and protect Nairobi National Park. It further proposes creating more recreational spaces across the city.

Owino says his vision is to put Nairobi residents and their needs at the centre of his administration, with the campaign slogan “Nairobi First.”

The Embakasi East MP is positioning the agenda as a one-term plan to address some of the capital’s most pressing challenges, promising to “FIX Nairobi for one term.”

His proposals come as the race for the Nairobi governorship begins to take shape, with aspirants expected to sell their development agendas to voters ahead of the 2027 General Election.