President William Ruto on Sunday said Nairobi residents have rejected divisive politics and are instead focused on economic opportunity, as he outlined multi-billion-shilling projects aimed at transforming the capital and creating jobs.
Speaking during an inspection tour of Gikomba Market, the President said the city’s “enterprising people” had no appetite for politics driven by hatred, tribalism or division, but were keen on expanding their businesses and improving their livelihoods.
“The people of Nairobi County have no appetite for backward politics fuelled by hatred, division or tribalism. Their eyes are fixed on opportunity — on growing their hustles, expanding their enterprises and securing a better future for their families,” Mr Ruto said.
He said the government was backing that ambition with what he described as bold and practical investments designed to improve living conditions and stimulate economic growth. At the centre of the plan, he said, is a Sh200 billion commitment towards the construction of 123,000 affordable housing units and the development of 17 modern markets across the city.
According to the President, the new markets will provide traders with safer, cleaner and more organised spaces, reducing losses linked to fires, congestion and insecurity that have for years plagued informal trading centres such as Gikomba.
Mr Ruto said the renewal of Nairobi was already visible, pointing to expanded street lighting to improve security, upgraded roads to ease movement and expanded health coverage. He added that the government was implementing a comprehensive waste management plan aimed at restoring cleanliness and order in neighbourhoods that have struggled with poor sanitation.
“You can see the changes taking place across the city — streets are being lit, roads are being upgraded, health coverage is expanding, and waste management systems are taking shape,” he said.
Job creation for young people featured prominently in the President’s remarks. He said thousands of youth were already benefiting from ongoing programmes linked to urban renewal and environmental restoration.
According to Mr Ruto, 45,000 young people are currently earning a livelihood through the Nairobi River clean-up programme, while another 48,000 are actively engaged in the affordable housing initiative. He said thousands more were accessing opportunities through digital jobs and labour mobility programmes that connect skilled workers to employment locally and abroad.
During the visit, the President interacted with traders and residents at Gikomba Market, assuring them that the government would work closely with Nairobi City County and trader associations to ensure that market upgrades are carried out smoothly and with minimal disruption.
Traders welcomed the promise of modern facilities but urged the government to prioritise safety, transparency and consultation, noting that past redevelopment efforts have often disrupted business and livelihoods.
Mr Ruto said the administration’s responsibility was to match the determination of Nairobi residents with action, arguing that investments in housing, markets and infrastructure were critical to unlocking productivity in the city’s informal economy.
