Sakaja joins President Ruto at UN General Assembly, despite ‘ban’ claims
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja is currently in New York, United States, as part of the Kenyan delegation attending the Climate Ambition Summit at the United Nations General Assembly.
However, his presence in the US has led to speculation on social media, with some users suggesting that Sakaja may have been banned from travelling to the US and UK due to corruption charges.
These allegations have emerged in the midst of a public dispute between Sakaja and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino. Owino accused Sakaja of lacking transparency in his school feeding program, where public school students are required to pay KSh 5 for subsidized meals.
Despite the rumors, Governor Sakaja has been actively participating in various engagements during his trip. He was at the forefront of welcoming President William Ruto at the event venue and continued with his working tour, meeting with several leaders.
Sakaja shared updates on his activities, saying, “On a working tour of the United States, I maintained a busy schedule, attending several engagements on the sidelines of #UNGA78, including a climate action leadership conversation graced by President Ruto and hosted by Faunafloraint at Central Park, New York.”
He also participated in discussions on Africa’s Opportunities for Green Growth and a Nature Positive Future.
Also read: Fact check: Inside Sakaja’s Dishi na County initiative
Nairobi County has already benefited from the ongoing summit, with the government signing deals aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in the capital city.
President Ruto witnessed the signing of a Sh8.7 billion grant facility for improving transport connectivity in Nairobi. The negotiations were led by Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei in collaboration with the Millennium Challenge Corporation.
The funds secured through the Second Threshold Program will be used to acquire electric buses for the bus rapid transit (BRT) line 2, a project aimed at easing traffic congestion in Nairobi.
Governor Sakaja welcomed the revival of the BRT project, emphasizing that it would reduce congestion and ensure that residents reach their destinations more efficiently.
Recently, Governor Sakaja conducted an inspection tour of the BRT project alongside Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.
They assured residents that the first phase of the line, covering the Ruiru-Nairobi CBD-Kenyatta National Hospital route, will be ready by December 2024.
The second phase will run from Kenol through Ruiru, Langata Road, all the way to Rongai.
The BRT project is coordinated by the National Metropolitan Area Authority (NaMATA), a state agency under the Ministry of Transport.
Also read: Inside Sakaja’s chaotic Nairobi’s CBD