Sakaja Urges Public to Help Arrest Criminals in Nairobi CBD

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has called on residents to play an active role in fighting crime by helping to apprehend criminals who are vandalising public infrastructure in the city centre.

The governor said this move is necessary to protect the city from rising insecurity and to ensure Nairobi remains safe for both residents and businesses.

Speaking during a press briefing on Monday, September 8, Sakaja explained that although the county government is already working closely with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the National Police Service (NPS) to increase the number of police officers patrolling the Central Business District (CBD), citizens also have a duty to act whenever they notice criminal activities.

According to Sakaja, a group of individuals has been deliberately tampering with and destroying lighting infrastructure in the city. He noted that the destruction of streetlights creates dark areas that make it easier for crime to flourish, putting the safety of Nairobians at risk.

To make it easier for residents to report such cases, the governor announced that the county has introduced a toll-free number, 988, which people can call if they witness any suspicious activities or acts of vandalism. “Vandalism of public infrastructure is a crime.

That infrastructure is built using taxpayers’ money, and it belongs to the people of Nairobi. We have the resources and equipment to repair damaged lights, but we are sending a very clear warning: anyone caught destroying city infrastructure will face the full force of the law,” Sakaja warned.

He went on to remind the public that since he assumed office, his administration has worked tirelessly with security agencies to restore order in Nairobi. “When I came into office, cases of crime in the CBD were very high, but we worked with the police and other security agencies to restore calm. We will not allow Nairobi to slip back to those dangerous days,” he said.

The governor further revealed that the county government will soon engage the business community within the CBD to strengthen security measures. He explained that business owners will be encouraged to install CCTV cameras and lighting outside their buildings, in compliance with existing county by-laws.

According to him, this practice has already been adopted by many major cities across the world and has proven to be effective in deterring crime. “We shall meet with building owners to agree on how they can set up their own cameras and lights outside their premises. This will boost security for everyone in the city,” Sakaja explained.

At the same time, Sakaja assured the public that his administration is working hand in hand with the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) to install and repair more streetlights, particularly in areas that have been identified as crime hotspots.

He said improving lighting in such areas would help discourage criminal activity and restore public confidence in city safety.

On another issue, the governor issued a tough warning to boda boda operators in Nairobi who continue to break the law. He revealed that the county government, in partnership with the boda boda associations, has already mapped out designated pick-up and drop-off points for riders across the city.

Sakaja explained that the county has also encouraged boda boda operators to form Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (Saccos).

According to him, this will not only make it easier to regulate the sector but also help identify and weed out criminals who try to use the industry as cover for illegal activities. “Most boda boda riders are hardworking, honest people.

They are simply trying to earn a living, but we must not allow a few rogue elements to spoil their reputation. The good riders must stand firm and reject those engaging in crime,” he said.

The governor made it clear that any rider found operating outside the designated pick-up points will be apprehended and dealt with according to the law. “We have agreed with their leaders on where they should operate. If you are found outside those areas, we shall arrest you. There will be no excuses,” Sakaja warned.

With these measures, Sakaja expressed confidence that Nairobi can remain a safe and orderly city if both the government and the public join hands in fighting crime.

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