Babu Owino Criticizes Nairobi Governance and Corruption

Critique of Nairobi Governance

• ⚠️ The speaker argues that devolution has been destroyed in Nairobi, with the President assuming roles typically belonging to the Governor, leading to confusion over checks and balances.
• 💡 There's concern about auditing the county government, especially regarding pending bills and the involvement of the national government in county functions.

Financial Mismanagement and Corruption

• 💰 Nairobi faces 121 billion Kenya shillings in pending bills, which the national government was supposed to pay, but funds remain unavailable.
• 📊 The county government should collect 67 billion Kenya shillings in on-source revenue according to a World Bank report, but only declares 43 billion annually, with actual collections often just 12 billion.
• 🚨 The speaker alleges Nairobi is a "graveyard of corruption," citing an Auditor General report where 150 million in approved funds disappeared, often through private companies.
• 🔥 The Governor is accused of being a "bigger cartel" who is funded by cartels and fails to address corruption effectively.

Unmet Promises and Service Delivery

• ❌ Promises of jobs for youth and economic upliftment for small business owners (mamaboga, boda riders) have not materialized.
• 💧 A 100 billion Kenya shillings investment could permanently solve Nairobi's water challenge by constructing 2-3 dams, a sum that could be sourced from both county and national governments.
• 📈 High and exorbitant license fees discourage business, leading to lower revenue collection and informal operations, suggesting a need for lower fees to boost demand.
• 🍎 The school feeding program is criticized for its implementation, with questions raised about the destination of parent contributions and French government funds.

Call for New Leadership

• 🚫 Nairobi is currently "not functional," and the speaker believes that what couldn't be done in four years won't be achieved in one, emphasizing the need for a change in leadership.
• ✅ The speaker asserts that Nairobi has no "unique challenges" that cannot be solved, such as roads, garbage collection, or job creation, if there is serious leadership.
• 🚀 Babu Owino highlights his track record as an MP for Embakasi, where he was ranked highly, suggesting he could deliver services for Nairobians with proper resources and opportunity.

Defending Political Freedoms

• 🗣️ The speaker supports the right to picket and freedom of speech, which are enshrined in the constitution, criticizing the tear-gassing of opponents during protests.
• ⚖️ He would support any petition challenging illegalities in Nairobi's governance before a competent court of law to ensure the city receives what rightfully belongs to it.