NAIROBI, Sept 8 (Nyongesa Sande) – Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja has called on residents to take direct action against criminals vandalising infrastructure in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD), urging citizens to arrest offenders and report incidents through a newly launched hotline.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Sakaja said that despite heightened collaboration between the county government, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and the National Police Service, community involvement remained crucial.
He accused individuals of deliberately destroying public lighting systems, creating opportunities for crime. To counter this, Sakaja unveiled a toll-free hotline, 988, for residents to report suspicious activities.
“Vandalism of public infrastructure is against the law because that infrastructure was built using your money. Anyone caught destroying power systems will face the full force of the law,” Sakaja warned.
The governor assured residents that the county was working with Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) to restore and expand street lighting, particularly in crime-prone areas. He further disclosed plans to engage CBD business owners to install CCTV cameras and external lighting in line with county by-laws, a practice he said mirrored global urban security standards.
Sakaja also issued a stern message to boda boda operators accused of operating outside agreed zones and engaging in unlawful activities. He revealed that the county, together with the boda boda association, had agreed on designated pick-up points and encouraged operators to form Saccos to help weed out criminal elements.
“Many boda boda riders are hardworking people, but we cannot allow a few to tarnish their reputation. Those found outside designated areas will be apprehended,” he stated.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to enhancing safety across the city while warning that lawbreakers would not derail efforts to restore order.
Photo
Raymond Omollo
