Since the introduction of devolution under the 2010 Constitution, Nairobi City County has been governed by four successive administrations. The current governor, Johnson Sakaja, has steadily consolidated his leadership, placing himself in a strong position as the 2027 General Election approaches.
Popularly known among supporters as “Mbekse wa Nairobi,” Sakaja has anchored his administration on visible, people-centred programmes that directly address everyday urban challenges. One of his most impactful initiatives is the Green Army, through which over 3,000 young people were recruited to clean, green, and restore the city’s environment. Following approval by the County Assembly, the workers were formally absorbed into the county payroll—creating stable employment while significantly improving cleanliness across Nairobi.
The Green Army has delivered tangible outcomes, including cleaner streets, unclogged drainage systems, and rehabilitated public spaces. Beyond environmental benefits, the programme has provided dignified employment to thousands of young people, a critical voting bloc in the capital.
Infrastructure development has further strengthened Sakaja’s political standing. Through alignment with the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) and sustained budgetary support, the county has upgraded roads across residential estates and the Central Business District. Several previously dilapidated roads have been resurfaced or upgraded to bitumen standards, easing mobility and stimulating economic activity.
Education remains another central pillar of the Sakaja administration. The county has rolled out an expansive bursary and scholarship programme that has benefited over 4,000 students across all 17 sub-counties, with funding estimated at KSh 170 million. The initiative has kept thousands of learners in school, eased pressure on parents, and earned broad public approval.
Beyond formal programmes, Sakaja’s personal interventions have reinforced his image as an accessible and compassionate leader. His decision to directly support vulnerable learners from informal settlements—by paying full secondary school fees and providing uniforms—has resonated strongly with residents.
“Education is the biggest equalizer,” the governor has often stated, pledging to further expand support for needy students.
Another flagship initiative bolstering his popularity is the Dishi na County school feeding programme, implemented in partnership with Food for Education.
The programme provides meals—particularly fortified porridge—to pupils in Early Childhood Development centres and primary schools. With about 400 ECD centres already benefiting, the initiative has boosted enrolment, improved child nutrition, and reduced the financial burden on low-income families.
Politically, Sakaja enjoys a rare advantage in Nairobi’s complex landscape. He maintains functional working relationships with both ODM and UDA, Kenya’s dominant political parties. In a highly cosmopolitan and diverse city, this cross-party appeal gives him a strategic edge over rivals reliant on narrow political or ethnic bases.
Some of his potential challengers, including Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, have increasingly leaned on ethnic mobilisation and confrontational rhetoric. However, analysts argue that such strategies carry limited weight in Nairobi, where voters are more influenced by performance, inclusivity, and service delivery than tribal alignment.
Sakaja also benefits from the power of incumbency—allowing him to showcase ongoing projects, shape the county’s development narrative, and maintain constant engagement with residents. His visibility during crises such as floods, fires, and service disruptions has further reinforced perceptions of hands-on leadership.
With a fragmented opposition, demonstrable development projects, youth-focused employment initiatives, expanded education support, and a non-tribal political posture, Governor Johnson Sakaja enters the 2027 race from a position of strength. As the election cycle draws closer, prevailing indicators suggest he remains one of the strongest contenders for re-election in Nairobi City County.