Nairobi East Commissioner orders crime crackdown in Makadara

By Sammy Kimatu

Nairobi East Sub-Region County Commissioner Dr Were Simiyu has inspected government projects in Makadara Sub-County and ordered security agencies to intensify the fight against crime, illicit brews and drug abuse.

Dr Simiyu conducted a project inspection tour on Monday, August 24, and addressed a public Baraza in Viwandani Ward, where he engaged residents on development, security, youth empowerment and service delivery.

He was accompanied by the Nairobi East Sub-Region security team, Makadara Deputy County Commissioner Philip Koima, who led members of the Sub-County Security and Intelligence Committee (SCSIC), and other government officials.

Inspects Affordable Housing projects

The County Commissioner inspected two major Affordable Housing Programme (AHP) projects in the area.

The first stop was the Affordable Housing Project at Bahati (Shauri Moyo B), followed by the AHP project at the former Makongeni Railways Estate. At both sites, project managers briefed the delegation on the ongoing works, progress and implementation status.

Dr Simiyu later visited Lunga Lunga Police Station, where he was briefed on office and housing challenges affecting police officers and their families.

Makadara DCC Philip Koima and other govt officials inspecting the Affordable Housing Program sites at Makongeni and Bahati. Photo/Sammy Kimatu

Officers from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) accompanied him and committed to dispatching a team to assess the condition of the station’s offices and residential facilities.

The assessment is expected to inform the preparation of a status report and an appropriate improvement plan.

During the public Baraza, residents and various groups raised concerns on development, education, healthcare, youth empowerment and security while also appreciating government initiatives.

Village elders expressed their appreciation to President William Ruto for hosting them at State House and championing their welfare. They particularly praised the monthly stipend programme benefiting more than 106,000 elders across the country.

Climate Worx beneficiaries also commended the President’s initiative to enrol more than 48,000 youths in the programme in Nairobi County.

The beneficiaries said the programme had created employment opportunities, empowered young people and contributed to reducing crime in Nairobi. Dr Simiyu assured them that the challenge of delayed payments would be addressed.

Residents also sought clarification on the President’s commitment to provide school buses to St Elizabeth Comprehensive School and Star of Hope Secondary School in Viwandani Ward.

Dr Simiyu acknowledged the concern and assured residents that the matter would be followed up.

On healthcare, the County Commissioner reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to enhancing Universal Health Care through efforts to streamline the Social Health Authority (SHA) and improve access to medical services.

Criminal elements warned

On security, Dr Simiyu directed security agencies to take decisive action against criminal activities and individuals involved in violent and organised crime.

“This region-Nairobi East must be crime free and those who cannot maintain peace should have no space living in the region. Criminals must note that their days are numbered,” the administrator said.

He added that National Government Administrative Police Unit (NGAPU) officers would support National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs) in combating illicit brews, drugs and substance abuse, which he said continued to threaten security, youth welfare and economic prosperity.

Dr Simiyu commended the Makadara Sub-County security team for its dedication and efforts in combating crime and maintaining peace in the area.

The public Baraza provided residents with an opportunity to engage directly with government officials on development priorities, security concerns and service delivery.

Dr Simiyu said more public Barazas would be held across the region to give wananchi an opportunity to air their concerns and engage government officials on issues affecting their communities.