Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and Speaker Ken Ngondi on Thursday jointly chaired a high-level meeting with County Assembly Committee chairpersons in a renewed effort to calm political tensions and resolve lingering issues bedeviling the capital.
The closed-door meeting, held at the Governor’s office, comes just days after the suspension of an impeachment motion against Sakaja — a motion that had threatened to plunge Nairobi into a fresh wave of political uncertainty.
Speaker Ngondi confirmed that the discussions were aimed at building consensus between the Executive and the County Assembly on matters that have for months created a rift between the two arms of county government.
"We are getting to understand how best to resolve issues," Ngondi saidKey issues addressed in the meeting include; fast-tracking development projects across all 85 wards, many of which had stalled due to budgetary and political standoffs.Another issued include finding a binding legal solution to the bursary stalemate, which has left thousands of needy students stranded without school fees support.
Clearing of pending bills owed to legitimate ward-based projects, with contractors complaining of delayed payments and ensuring the Assembly’s financial autonomy was also discussed.Political observers note that the timing of the meeting is critical.
Governor Sakaja has been walking a tightrope since the impeachment motion against him was suspended, with Assembly Members citing governance gaps, delayed payments, and strained working relations with the executive.
"By engaging the Speaker and committee chairs directly, Sakaja is seen as making a bold move to rebuild trust and avert future political showdowns," Andrew Mutua who is a seasoned commentator on City Hall matters said Sources privy to the meeting told said that both Sakaja and Ngondi emphasized cooperation and honesty going forward.For now, the truce appears to have cooled tempers within the Assembly, but questions remain on whether the Governor can sustain the goodwill and address the systemic issues that nearly cost him his seat.
