Babu Owino points to Embakasi EastbRecord in Nairobi governor

Embakasi East MP steps up Nairobi governor bid

BY: (TRIZZA KAFWA)

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino is defending his decision to seek the Nairobi governorship, saying his record as a constituency representative has prepared him for the bigger responsibility of running the capital.

Owino, who is positioning himself for the 2027 Nairobi governor race, argued that leadership at the constituency level requires many of the same qualities needed to manage a county.

“If you can be given the responsibility of managing a constituency and you do it well, then it is only fair that you can manage a county also fairly well,” he said in an interview shared on his social media platforms on Monday.

The lawmaker pointed to his performance in Embakasi East as evidence of his ability to deliver services. He cited the 2026 Infotrak CountyTrak Performance Index, which ranked him first among MPs with an 80 per cent approval rating. The survey was conducted between January and May across all 47 counties.

Owino also criticised previous Nairobi administrations, arguing that county leaders should take responsibility for functions assigned to the county government instead of depending heavily on the national government.

His comments come after the national government and Nairobi County entered into an agreement earlier this year covering a range of functions and services.

The MP said that, if elected governor, his administration would prioritise issues such as roads, water, healthcare, business and employment.

“Can Babu Owino deliver that service? Yes,” he said, listing the areas he believes his administration would address.

Owino also sought to make the case that his political support in Nairobi is not limited to one ethnic community. He said residents should judge leaders based on service delivery rather than their ethnic background.

The MP has increasingly stepped up his preparations for the 2027 contest. In September, he confirmed The Mwananchi Party as the political vehicle he intends to use in the next General Election, including his bid for the Nairobi governor’s seat.

The Nairobi race is expected to attract several contenders as Governor Johnson Sakaja prepares to defend his position. Other politicians have also expressed interest in the seat ahead of the 2027 elections.

For Owino, however, the argument remains centred on his record in Embakasi East and whether the experience he has gained in Parliament can translate into managing a county as large and complex as Nairobi.