Nairobi regional commissioner issues demands to Sakaja amid insecurity fears
By Steve Ireri, September 8, 2025Nairobi regional commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo has called on the Sakaja-led Nairobi County Government to take decisive action on several fronts to enhance security in the city.
Speaking while responding to reports of rising insecurity in the CBD on Monday, September 8, 2025, Kitiyo emphasised that improving street lighting, regulating hawkers, and organising the boda boda sector are crucial steps towards creating a safer and more orderly Nairobi.
“What we will be doing in the city of Nairobi is tightening security. We want the county government of Nairobi to assist us with street lighting, the organisation of hawkers, the organisation of the boda boda sector, and other areas so that we have an orderly city,” he noted.
He said that an orderly city not only improves daily life but also makes it easier for security agencies to execute their duties effectively.
Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris had earlier attributed the mugging to the lack of street lighting.
Kitiyo on street lights
Kitiyo specifically urged the county government to install more street lights and ensure that existing ones are maintained and protected from vandalism.
“An orderly city makes security easier to enforce and ensures we live in a peaceful city that is truly an international hub. We urge the county government to install more lighting and ensure existing lights are protected from vandalism,” he added.
In addition to lighting, the police boss highlighted the importance of organising informal sectors, including hawkers and boda bodas, as part of a broader strategy to restore order in the city.
He stressed that collaboration between the police and the county government is essential to achieve a peaceful and internationally recognised urban environment.
He also warned residents against tampering with government infrastructure, including syphoning electricity and vandalising street lights or road rails, emphasising that such actions undermine security and public safety.
“We urge the county government to install more lighting and ensure existing lights are protected from vandalism. We also call on residents not to entertain people syphoning power or vandalising street lights and other government infrastructure, including road rails.”
Investigations underway
On his part, Governor Sakaja confirmed that investigations are underway into the rising wave of criminal gangs operating within the city’s Central Business District (CBD).
He assured residents that firm measures are being put in place to restore safety and order in the capital.
Sakaja acknowledged growing concerns from Nairobians over recent cases of insecurity and emphasised that tackling insecurity is a top priority for his administration.
“What I am appealing to you as the governor is that the citizens of Nairobi. We should take charge. Because that is your taxpayers’ money, that is your contribution. And as your governor, the first work of any governor is to secure their people,” he said.
The governor revealed that a meeting will soon be convened, bringing together key security officials, including Officers Commanding Stations (OCSs) and county commissioners.
As part of the response, Sakaja said the county will roll out a campaign in partnership with the National Police Service.
“We want to tell people who have been doing this, you will not do this for a long time,” Sakaja said.