If elected governor, Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja has promised to get rid of old, rusted, and unroadworthy Kanjo (County constables) vehicles.
He claims the vehicles are unroadworthy and an embarrassment to Nairobi, which receives the most equitable share.
“We are in 2022 but the inspectorate department are patrolling around the city in old, rusty vehicles which can even infect the people being carried with diseases if they are cut,” Sakaja said.
“If elected, I will replace the vehicles with proper inspectorate vehicles which will be used by the department.”
Over the years, the officers have been associated with old, rusted, rugged, frail, and rickety vehicles that they use to patrol the Central Business District (CBD).
The vehicles have faded paint with the Nairobi City County Inspectorate and Enforcement badge clearly visible, and the windows are’secured’ with old and rusted wire mesh.
The vehicles primarily transport unwilling passengers such as hawkers and city by-law violators, who are then arrested.
Hawkers flee with their wares at the sight of any of these ancient vehicles, avoiding the nightmare of being bundled into these vehicles, which patrol the capital city looking for their next unwilling passenger.
These Kanjo vehicles rule the streets of the city center. In pursuit of their targets, they can use any lane, move in the wrong direction, or travel on pavements.
They crisscross the CBD, waiting to pounce on their prey on Tom Mboya Street, Moi Avenue, River Road, Latema Road, and Luthuli Avenue, among other streets.
City inspectorate officers will soon begin using motorcycles for quick response to emergencies within Nairobi, according to plans highlighted in the Nairobi City County Annual Development Plan 2022-2023.
This is part of the Sh344 million budgeted by the County Government of Nairobi for the Inspectorate Department this fiscal year.
City Hall will spend Sh4 million on ten new motorcycles for inspectorate officers.
“This is for effective and efficient service delivery that will promote response and timely service,” reads the plan in part.
Furthermore, the department will spend Sh40 million to purchase five customized motor vehicles in order to promote quick and timely services.
