Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja has said that both the county and national governments should consider acquiring boats to help evacuate residents during floods.
Speaking to a local TV station on Sunday, March 8, 2026, Sakaja stated that boats proved useful in areas such as Kasarani and Mwiki, where heavy flooding recently left residents stranded.
According to the governor, rescue teams were able to save lives in some flooded estates only after boats were deployed.
“The boats are quite necessary. If you go to Infinity in Mwiki in Kasarani, the only way people were rescued was by using boats,” Sakaja said.
Sakaja noted that although some people initially mocked the idea of using boats in Nairobi, the recent floods demonstrated that such equipment can be crucial during emergencies.
“People made fun of it. Leadership is not always popular,” he said.
The governor also said that improving Nairobi’s infrastructure requires significant financial investment, warning that the city cannot match global standards without proper funding.
“The sheer amount required for a capital of our stature if we want to go to Singapore is a minimum of 60 billion, otherwise I am a glorified cashier paying salaries,” he said.
Governor rules out resignation
Sakaja also addressed calls from critics who have questioned his leadership following the floods.
The governor dismissed suggestions that he should resign, insisting that he remains focused on solving the city’s problems.
“I am not resigning, I am working, and every day I do my best. Given the limitations we have as a city, expectations are extremely high, and I understand them,” Sakaja said.
He added that his administration has already developed plans to address Nairobi’s challenges.
“I have understood the problem, I know it, and we have found the solutions. We have gotten our framework to implement it,” he stated.
Sakaja further revealed that the county government has secured a major cooperation agreement aimed at improving infrastructure and services in the capital.
“We have gotten a deal that no other leader in this county has ever gotten for the people of Nairobi, which is the 80 billion cooperation agreement, and the results will be visible,” he said.
The governor maintained that despite the challenges facing the city, his administration remains committed to improving Nairobi’s infrastructure and disaster response systems.
