Nairobi Can Work Again! Babu Owino Reveals What’s Holding the Capital Back

Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has blamed corruption for the challenges facing Nairobi County, arguing that the capital city’s problems are not unique but have been worsened by years of poor governance and misuse of public resources.

Speaking during a public engagement, the outspoken legislator said many of the issues affecting Nairobi, including poor infrastructure, inadequate healthcare services, garbage collection problems, traffic congestion and unemployment, are common in major cities around the world.

However, he maintained that corruption has prevented Nairobi from effectively addressing these challenges despite having significant financial resources.

“There is nothing unique about Nairobi’s challenges. Cities across the world face similar issues. The difference is that corruption has crippled Nairobi County and denied residents the services they deserve,” said Owino.

The MP noted that Nairobi generates substantial revenue and receives a considerable share of national government funding, yet many residents continue to struggle with poor service delivery.

He questioned how billions of shillings allocated to development projects have failed to translate into meaningful improvements in the lives of city residents.

According to Owino, corruption has led to stalled projects, inflated procurement costs, and the diversion of public funds that should be used to improve roads, water supply, healthcare facilities and other essential services.

He called for greater transparency and accountability in the management of county resources.

The legislator also urged residents to demand better leadership and hold public officials accountable for their actions.

He emphasized that effective governance, rather than additional funding, is the key to transforming Nairobi into a modern and efficient city.

“Nairobi has enough potential to be one of Africa’s leading cities. What we need is responsible leadership, proper planning, and an end to corruption,” he stated.

His remarks come amid growing public concerns over the state of service delivery in the county.

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Residents have repeatedly raised complaints about poor drainage systems, uncollected garbage, deteriorating roads and recurring water shortages in several parts of the city.

Political observers say Owino’s comments are likely to fuel debate over the management of Nairobi County as leaders position themselves ahead of future political contests.

The MP has in recent years emerged as one of the most vocal critics of governance failures in the capital.

As discussions continue on the future of Nairobi’s development, Owino insists that the city’s challenges can be overcome if leaders prioritize integrity, accountability, and the interests of residents over personal gain.

His statement is expected to spark fresh conversations about corruption, governance and the urgent need for reforms aimed at restoring public confidence in Nairobi County’s leadership and service delivery systems.