The Former Acting Governor of Nairobi County, Ann Kananu Mwenda, has been sworn in as the third Governor of Nairobi at a colourful ceremony held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) Comesa Grounds.
During the ceremony presided over by High Court Judge Justice Lilian Mutende Tuesday, Kananu took the Affirmation of Office as she thanked the residents of Nairobi for entrusting her with the onerous responsibility to provide leadership and steer the County on matters that impact on their daily lives and businesses.
She commended the Nairobi Metropolitan Service (NMS) under the leadership of Lt General Mohammed Badi for working in close collaboration with her office in supporting the delivery of services to Nairobi residents through infrastructural projects and implementation of key social and economic programs.
“I have today taken the governor’s oath of office and swear to truly and diligently serve the County of Nairobi without fear, favour, affection or ill-will,” she re-affirmed, adding that she is committed to serve and work closely with the County staff in service delivery to Nairobians.
Noting that Nairobi being the capital and a business hub of the country and the region, it contributes to approximately a fifth of the country’s Gross Domestic Product, Kananu vowed to ensure the city remains a major destination and gateway for investment in the region.
“Today, Nairobi serves six million residents by day and four million residents by night, making it the strategic location of international headquarters, global corporates and the transit point for business, transport and communication for millions of travellers globally,” she added.
However, the new Governor regretted that the City suffered greatly the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and is still healing from the social and economic effects and as a result, individuals, households, communities and businesses have suffered immensely through the loss of lives, livelihoods, and freedom.
She encouraged Nairobi residents to take advantage of the ongoing vaccination drive offered by the Ministry of Health and challenged the transport sector to continue following the laid out health protocols for a safe and prosperous Nairobi.
Consequently, she promised that her Administration will strive to cushion Nairobi residents, particularly in their businesses from the impact of the pandemic
“Another measure undertaken so far is the disbursement of bursaries worth 503 million to bright and needy families to support primary and secondary students from Nairobi County in a bid to ensure no student is left behind in the quest of furthering their education,” she said, adding that the County Government has also recruited 498 Early Childhood Development (ECD) teachers to support the vision of inclusive and quality education for children.
Kananu lauded the rolling out of the disaster feeding program as part of the immediate response and the much needed support for victims.
Kananu set Nairobi County on a path to full recovery by unveiling the Nairobi Economic Stimulus 5-point program, with interventions such as inclusive education and improved quality of early learning through the employment of additional 219 ECD teachers.
She also cited the improved health of the children through better nutrition by providing free milk for approximately 6,450 children in the ECD centres across the 17 sub-counties in Nairobi County.
The Governor promised to improve water and sanitation for Nairobi residents in the informal settlements through the sinking of boreholes and installation of 850 water tanks, 10 tanks for each ward in the county.
Kananu said she has set her eyes on a revitalized 24-hour economy that will create jobs, which she promised will be launched within the next 30 days, a post covid-19 recovery plan and a focus on great improvements in security, local policing, lighting, and sanitation.
Welcoming the new Governor, Council of Governors Chairman, Martin Wambora, commended Kananu for her humility, tenacity and perseverance, saying such would propel her to contain challenges.
“These traits show you are a good leader and a great leader and your future is bright. Nairobi is lucky again and it will be a green city under the sun,” said Wambora as he expressed confidence in her.
By Michael Omondi and Kishengo Gathigia
