Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has been ranked among the lowest-performing county leaders in Kenya, according to the latest Countrytrak Performance Index 2024 report by Infotrak Research and Consulting. The survey, released on Tuesday, placed Sakaja at position 37 out of 47 governors, raising concerns about his administration’s effectiveness.
The ranking adds to a growing list of reports that have cast a shadow over Sakaja’s leadership. In December 2024, the Controller of Budget (CoB), Margaret Nyakang’o, revealed that the Nairobi County government was among 10 devolved units that spent zero shillings on development between July and October. However, Sakaja dismissed the report, stating that his administration had spent Ksh.844,184,929 on various development projects during that period.
Sakaja also pointed out that the CoB report failed to account for a critical factor: counties, including Nairobi, did not receive any exchequer disbursements from the National Treasury for the first two months of the fiscal year. This, he argued, significantly impacted development expenditure and service delivery.
Meanwhile, the Infotrak report ranked Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata as the top-performing county leader, scoring 68%. Kang’ata was followed by Trans Nzoia’s George Natembeya with 64%, Homa Bay’s Gladys Wanga at 61%, and Kisumu’s Anyang’ Nyong’o at 59%. Makueni’s Mutula Kilonzo Jr. and Elgeyo Marakwet’s Wesley Rotich tied in the sixth position, each scoring 57%.
Sakaja’s ranking in the bottom ten raises questions about his administration’s priorities and execution of development plans. Nairobi, being Kenya’s capital and economic hub, has faced numerous challenges, including poor waste management, traffic congestion, and stalled infrastructure projects. Many residents have expressed dissatisfaction with service delivery, despite Sakaja’s promises to transform the city.
As he approaches the halfway mark of his tenure, the governor faces mounting pressure to improve his governance record. With public perception playing a crucial role in future political prospects, Sakaja will need to address key concerns raised by the Infotrak report and ensure tangible development projects are implemented.
While the debate continues over the accuracy and fairness of these rankings, one thing remains clear Nairobians expect better leadership and accountability. The coming months will be crucial for Sakaja as he works to rebuild public confidence and improve his performance metrics.
