By Afrireport 
President William Ruto has declared that Kenya’s long term transformation hinges on the successful overhaul of Nairobi.
He pledged unwavering support for the Nairobi County Government as it undertakes wide ranging reforms aimed at reshaping the capital into a modern, efficient and livable city.
Speaking during an engagement with Nairobi County leaders and development partners, President Ruto said Nairobi is not just the seat of government but the face of the nation, adding that the state of the capital reflects the country’s seriousness about growth, governance, and service delivery.
He emphasized that meaningful national progress cannot be achieved if Nairobi continues to struggle with inefficiency, poor planning and inadequate services.
“The transformation of Kenya begins with the transformation of Nairobi,” Ruto said, noting that the capital plays a critical role in driving economic growth, attracting investment, and creating jobs.
He assured the county government of full backing from the national administration, saying intergovernmental cooperation is key to delivering tangible change for residents.
The President outlined key focus areas for the reforms, including improved waste management, better urban planning, enhanced public transport and the restoration of order within the city.
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He said Nairobi must evolve into a clean, safe and well organized metropolis that meets the expectations of both residents and visitors.
Ruto also stressed the importance of restoring dignity and order in the Central Business District and other urban centres, saying unregulated activities have for years undermined business, mobility and public safety.
He noted that reforms must be people centred, ensuring that livelihoods are protected even as order is enforced.
In a strong message to investors and development partners, the President said a reformed Nairobi would unlock massive economic potential, positioning the city as a regional hub for finance, technology and innovation.
He argued that cities are engines of growth, and Nairobi must be empowered to play its role effectively.
Nairobi County leadership welcomed the President’s commitment, saying national government support would accelerate ongoing initiatives to modernize infrastructure, digitize services and improve revenue collection.
They said collaboration between the two levels of government would help address long standing challenges that have hindered service delivery.
Political observers note that Ruto’s focus on Nairobi signals a strategic shift, recognizing the capital’s influence on national politics, economics and public perception.
With millions of Kenyans interacting with Nairobi daily, the success or failure of reforms is likely to shape public confidence in government.
As the President pushes for a transformed capital, all eyes will be on how quickly promises translate into visible change on the streets of Nairobi a city whose future, he insists, is inseparable from Kenya’s destiny.
