Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has praised Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata for his performance but ruled out copying his approach if he becomes Nairobi governor in 2027.
Babu was responding to a question on whether he would borrow ideas from other governors if elected to lead Nairobi.
He said although Kang’ata had performed well in Murang’a, the challenges facing the county were different from those confronting Nairobi.
“I see Irungu Kangata has really done a great job in Murang’a, and there is clear evidence of that,” Babu said.
“Although the dynamics and the challenges facing the people of Murang’a are completely different from the challenges facing Nairobians.”
Babu said Nairobi’s status as the capital city requires solutions tailored to its unique needs.
Because of this, he said, Nairobi needs his brains.
The MP said he would adopt useful ideas from other counties where appropriate but maintained that he already had a plan for Nairobi.
“Whatever can be borrowed will be borrowed, but I already have my plan. So I don’t need to borrow anything from anybody,” he said.
Babu made the remarks while outlining some of the priorities he would pursue if elected Nairobi governor in 2027.
He said his focus would include poor roads, drainage, healthcare, garbage collection, water supply, sewerage, insecurity and unemployment.
His remarks came after Kang’ata emerged as the best-performing county chief in the latest Infotrak Governor Performance Index, scoring 80 per cent.
Kang’ata topped the list of the country’s best-performing governors, ahead of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, who scored 76 per cent.
Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi ranked third with 71 per cent, while Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. shared fourth place after each scored 66 per cent.
Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wesley Rotich, Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o and West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin tied in sixth position with 65 per cent.
Kisii Governor Simba Arati and Samburu Governor Jonathan Lelelit followed in ninth place after each scored 63 per cent.
Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu ranked 11th with 61 per cent, while Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki came 12th with 60 per cent.
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru secured 13th place with 58 per cent, followed by Taita Taveta Governor Andrew Mwadime, who scored 57 per cent.
Kitui Governor Julius Malombe, Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga and Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim shared 15th position after each recorded 56 per cent.
Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro, Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko, Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai and Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi tied in 19th place with 55 per cent.
