Nairobi — Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has pledged to provide a safe and conducive environment for both local and foreign investors in the city.
Speaking during the launch of the 'My Great Nairobi Photo Exhibition' Campaign at the Global Trade Centre, Sakaja assured all investors of his government's resolve to eliminate all trade and political barriers that may scare them.
The campaign, dubbed 'MY Great Nairobi Photo Exhibition' will commemorate the evolution and development of Nairobi since independence and celebrate the city's rich history.
It will showcase the city's skyline, its people, architecture, landmarks, road networks, infrastructure, rich culture, and more.
"We are a financial and cultural hub hosting the most natural, unspoilt and untouched habitat in the skyline of the city right behind you. This city is great," he said.
The governor urged local investors to utilize the facilities and opportunities that Nairobi City has to expand the city's developments while also pleading with Nairobi residents to take responsibility for taking care of their surroundings and not just rely on the county council.
"We can not have a city where it rains and the Nairobi River extends to every estate and we have floods, the drainage is a problem. Each one of us has a role to play in ensuring that our environment is well maintained," he stated
Through his leadership, Sakaja said that developers and investors contributing to Nairobi's revenue streams and job opportunities are assured of maximum security and should not be scared since his administration offers full support for their businesses.
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"When the developers were putting up this building (GTC), previous administrations really harassed them. But I want to assure them that now you have a government that believes in business, both national and county government and the issue of harassment of developers will be a thing of the past. We can not scare away investment," he said.
In his speech, Sakaja noted that Nairobi is centrally located, making the city ideal for foreign business people to maneuver in and out of the city conveniently, pledging that his government will improve traffic congestion in and out of the central business district.
"Nairobi is a city that is blessed with the gift of location and geography. From Nairobi you can get to London in eight hours. You are in Dubai in five hours. You can get a flight to New York in thirteen hours," he said.
"But what is the use of flying in five hours and being stuck in traffic for another five hours? We must sort that out and that is part of our plans in sorting our transit system including working on our NMTs, bus rapid transit system that is ongoing as we speak," added the Governor.
Sakaja applauded Capital FM as a corporate powerhouse for promoting Nairobi City and urging businesses to invest in the city, while also posing a challenge to other corporations to take up the same initiative as the radio station.
"I am very proud of Capital FM because you are leading the way as a corporate entity in actually playing your part in making what the city really is. Once we build what Nairobi is, we get more customers, attract investors, we sell a vibe," he said.
"I want to challenge other corporate entities to come out. Let us partner, let us work together. Let us showcase this city."
