Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson took a bold step towards his vision of a cleaner, revitalized capital by personally leading an overnight cleanup exercise in the heart of the city, rallying over 3,500 Green Army members to tackle the growing cleanliness challenges facing Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD).
The large-scale operation, which stretched into the early hours of Monday January 13,2025, aimed to restore the CBD to its former glory, with teams scrubbing streets, clearing litter, and revamping public spaces.
Governor Sakaja, donning work gear, spearheaded the efforts alongside workers from the Department of Environment, making a clear statement about his commitment to the task.
“Let’s do this job with the seriousness it deserves. Let’s do it as if we’re doing it for God, not just because we’re being paid. Nairobi must be clean this year,” the Governor passionately told the team.
His message was not just one of action but of pride, urging the workers to embody a sense of ownership and responsibility in their roles.
The cleaning effort was more than just a one-time initiative. Governor Sakaja stressed the importance of cultivating a culture of cleanliness across Nairobi, noting that it would require sustained efforts and community-wide involvement.
“We must all work together to keep Nairobi clean. This is not just about today, but about creating a lasting impact on how we view and care for our city,” he emphasized.
The ambitious cleanup came just days after the Governor launched a fleet of 24 new refuse compactors to bolster waste management across the city.
Governor Sakaja was clear in his expectations: “These 24 trucks must be put to good use to make our city clean. We have no other excuse but to work,” he declared, signaling that his administration would spare no resources in their bid to ensure Nairobi lives up to its potential.
The Governor also took the opportunity to call on supervisors and city officials to redouble their efforts in revamping the CBD by 2025.
“I want us to look at Nairobi not just as a city, but as a model. A model of cleanliness, organization, and efficiency,” he urged, reminding the team that the revitalization project was part of a long-term vision that would leave a lasting legacy for the people of Nairobi.
Governor Sakaja’s overnight initiative has drawn widespread praise from city residents, who have long complained about the state of cleanliness in the CBD.
The Governor’s personal involvement in the cleanup, alongside the Green Army, is seen as a powerful symbol of his administration’s hands-on approach to tackling urban challenges head-on.
As Nairobi heads into 2025, Governor Sakaja’s leadership and commitment to improving the city’s infrastructure, cleanliness, and overall aesthetic is clear.
With his unwavering dedication, it’s evident that he intends to transform Nairobi into a cleaner, more vibrant city for its residents and visitors alike.
