NCCI boss Richard Ngatia bid for Nairobi top seat today received yet another boost after a section of Nairobi county Ward Representative vowed to support him.
Ngatia, who is set to officially declare his bid later this month, has been traversing parts of Nairobi County to seek the support of the youth, Women, people living with disabilities and other stakeholders.
Speaking during a consultative meeting in a Nairobi hotel Parklands MCA Jayedra Malde said that Mr Ngatia was the best bet for Nairobi and that Nairobi needs a visionary leader.
“Ngatia has exhibited a unique track record in his current position at the Chamber, it’s now time to transfer that kind of leadership to Nairobi county, this county needs a visionary leader “ Malde said.
Loresho Ward MCA Alvin Palapala on said that he was throwing his weight behind Ngatia since his campaign is based on developing the economy of Nairobi.
“Mr Ngatia’s Campaigns is based on development and growth of the City economy and particularly the GDP, I urge Nairobi Residents to support him and bring back the glory of our city” Palapala said
Already Ngatia has received major support from various groups and Politian’s across all political divide in the city.
Ngatia is expected to battle for the ticket with Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi who is banking on the ODM party support base to win the ticket but has very minimal chances compared to Ngatia.
Several factors are in play and observers say that Ngatia could emerge victorious in the end but will still need the support of ODM and Jubilee to consolidate his win when he takes on the UDA candidate in August.
With the county having experienced a chaotic reign during ex-governor Mike Sonko’s tenure and almost zero progress during the reign of the first governor Evans Kidero, it is believed that leading political parties are looking for a candidate who brings on board a wide range of experience in matters of governance and investment.
Nairobi contributes almost 65 percent of the country’s GDP and it is clear that voters will also be looking at a candidate who is able to drive the big four agenda which was started by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Ngatia has partly been credited for the development that the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) has been able to deliver in two years.
The agency has built 24 hospitals in the short period with Ngatia having played a crucial role as a consultant.
The capital City is now at a position where it needs proper infrastructure and an imminent take off to prosperity.
Westland MP Tim Wanyonyi, Nairobi senator Johnson Sakaja, Kenya Chambers of Commerce and Industry president Richard Ngatia and business woman Agnes Kagure are the individuals who have so far expressed interest in Nairobi.