What You Need to Know
President William Ruto has emphasized the critical role of Nairobi in Kenya’s economy, stating that the capital’s underperformance directly affects the nation’s prosperity. In a speech to the Nairobi County Assembly, he outlined persistent issues such as flooding, poor waste management, and traffic congestion, urging leaders to take decisive action to restore order and unlock the city’s potential.
Africa-Press – Kenya. President William Ruto has underscored the central role of Nairobi in Kenya’s prosperity, warning that the country suffers whenever the capital underperforms.
Addressing the Nairobi County Assembly on Thursday, Ruto said the city’s performance is directly tied to Kenya’s economic and global standing, urging leaders to confront its long-standing challenges.
“When Nairobi works, Kenya works. When Nairobi fails, Kenya pays the price,” Ruto said.
In his speech, the President described Nairobi as a city of “immense promise trapped by chronic dysfunction,” citing flooding, poor waste management, traffic congestion and failing infrastructure as persistent problems.
“For too long, Nairobi has been a city of extraordinary potential, suffocated by disorder, delayed by indecision and undermined by poor planning,” he said.
Ruto said the situation had not arisen overnight but was the result of years of inaction and misplaced priorities among leaders.
“Too many leaders chose comfort over courage. Too many tolerated mediocrity, postponed action and chose political convenience over public good,” he said.
He pointed to the consequences of that failure, saying the capital continues to fall short despite its critical role in the country.
“A capital city where flooding still kills our people, where garbage defines our neighbourhoods, where roads are congested, and drainage is broken cannot be acceptable,” Ruto said.
The President emphasised Nairobi’s strategic importance, noting that it contributes 27.5 per cent of Kenya’s economy and generates more than Sh4.1 trillion annually.
He said the city remains the country’s economic engine and a key global hub, hosting diplomatic missions, multinational firms and the only United Nations headquarters in the Global South.
“Nairobi is not merely a city, it is a national asset,” Ruto said.
“If we are serious about Kenya’s future, then we must be serious about Nairobi.”
Ruto told the assembly that the capital’s image shapes international perception of the country, noting that visitors often equate Nairobi with Kenya as a whole.
“Many who come here will say they came to Kenya, but in reality, they came to Nairobi. That is the essence of its importance,” he said.
He warned that the city can no longer be “governed casually” or allowed to drift under poor planning and weak accountability.
“This city should be the pride of Africa, but it has too often settled for standards that are frankly unacceptable,” Ruto said.
The President called on county leaders to take decisive action to restore order and unlock Nairobi’s full potential, insisting that failure to act would continue to weigh down national progress.
Nairobi, established in the late 19th century, has evolved into a vital economic hub for Kenya and the region. As the capital city, it hosts numerous multinational corporations and international organizations, including the United Nations Environment Programme. However, rapid urbanization has led to significant challenges, including inadequate infrastructure and service delivery, which have hindered its growth and development over the years. Addressing these issues is crucial for Kenya’s overall economic stability and growth.
