In a scathing Labour Day address that veered beyond workers’ rights and into the heart of urban governance, Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU-K) Secretary General Francis Atwoli publicly rebuked Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja for what he described as the deteriorating state of hygiene and order in the capital.
Speaking to thousands of workers gathered at Uhuru Gardens for the annual Labour Day celebrations on Thursday, May 1, 2025, Atwoli lamented that Nairobi, once hailed as the ‘Green City in the Sun’, has become a chaotic sprawl teeming with hawkers, boda boda riders, and unregulated matatus.
“We cannot remain in a filthy city, a city of hawkers, a city of riders, a city of matatus. When somebody arrives at the airport on Mombasa Road is full of hawkers depicting the picture of poverty of Kenya. This must come to an end,” Atwoli stated.
His remarks drew murmurs and applause from the crowd, many of whom bore witness to Nairobi’s daily urban challenges—from congested roads and informal markets to inconsistent waste management.
African cities
In a sharp comparison with other African capitals, Atwoli urged Nairobi leaders to draw inspiration from peer cities such as Kigali which is the cleanest city on the continent.
“This city belongs to all of us and this city must reflect other cities of the world. This city must reflect Accra, Ghana. This city must reflect Abuja in Nigeria. This city must reflect Kigali in Rwanda. This city must reflect Abidjan in Ivory Coast,” Atwoli said.
Though he did not mention Sakaja by name initially, the tone of Atwoli’s remarks left no doubt about the target of his frustrations.
The Nairobi governor, once celebrated for his youthful energy and promise of reform, has recently faced criticism over lax enforcement of city regulations and increasing public disorder.
An appeal to national government
Atwoli called on the national government to step in and collaborate with the county to restore Nairobi’s former glory.
He emphasized the need for property owners to take responsibility as well.
“We are appealing to the national government to team up with the county government and make sure that we have a city. Let landlords paint their buildings, repair their pavements and make sure Nairobi we reclaim our lost glory of this international city,” Atwoli said.
His comments reflect a growing concern among the middle class, business leaders, and even foreign missions who have privately raised concerns about the city’s deteriorating state.
Atwoli’s platform on Labour Day amplified those concerns on a national stage, using the day not only to speak for workers but to issue a broad civic challenge.
Ruto responds
Reacting to Atwoli’s complaint about Nairobi’s filth, President William Ruto, speaking at the same function, agreed that the capital is the face of Kenya and must be clean.
“I agree with Atwoli that the city of Nairobi is the face of Kenya and we must live in the city that has dignity,” Ruto said.
The President further highlighted the ongoing collaboration between the Nairobi county government and his administration in cleaning Nairobi.
“And I have joined hands with the county government of Nairobi to make sure that we complete all the link roads to make sure that the city of Nairobi has motorable walkways and decent roads in different estates especially in the informal settlements,” Ruto said.
“We have also agreed with the city of Nairobi on how we are going to clean this city. As I talk to you we have 20,000 young people under the Climate Works arrangement because I made a commitment that we are going to clean Nairobi River amd make sure that we developed additional social housing for the people of Nairobi,” he added.
Sakaja yet to respond
Governor Sakaja had not issued a formal response to Atwoli’s criticisms.
In previous public appearances, he has cited budgetary constraints and inherited systemic problems as barriers to rapid transformation.
But with the COTU boss now joining the chorus of dissatisfaction, the pressure on City Hall to act may only grow louder.
Martin Oduor
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