A leader is best when he is barely known that he exists. when his work is done,his aim fulfilled. These words describes none other than the Gatina Ward Member of the county assembly Hon Kennedy Swaka.
The first term MCA has been the darling of the people of Gatina due to his tireless efforts of transforming the vast ward.
Gatina is urguably one of the most populous ward of the 85 Wards in Nairobi. Hon Swaka or simply Mwalimu as he is fondly referred to by locals due to his love for education, is the third member to be elected as MCA of the Ward. Gatina Ward was curved from the larger Kawangware ward. All the past MCAs were elected on ODM.
In 2022, Mwalimu Swaka trounced the then incumbent MCA Hon Ayoi in what was seen as a Goliath vs David duel.
The popularity of Mwalimu Swaka among the electorates has been growing like bushfire in the hamattan. Mwalimu Swaka on his part is not taking the high approval ratings lightly.
“Leadership is a calling from God. I always feel indebted to the people of Gatina. There is no greater honour than to be trusted by the people as their representative. Before being elected, my aim was just to better myself and take care of my immidiate family but now as area MCA things have changed, I have a much bigger family to look after. I wake up daily with a burden on my heart on how to serve my people better and improve the lives and the general social and physical landscape of Gatina ward.” said Swaka.
Waziri Brian Mulama (Roads and Mobility) with Hon Swaka inspecting ongoing work on Salim road.
Gatina being an informal settlement area, one of the priorities Mwalimu Swaka had on his plate was the road network. Salim road that cuts across both Gatina and Kabiro ward is 90% done. This could not have been possible without the astituteness of the area MCA and good working relationship with the governor of Nairobi.
“Salim road has been laying in shambles since 2013. Successive regimes have tried to complete it with very little success. I want to salute governor Sakaja for always giving an ear to our proposals and working with us in serving Nairobians better. Salim road will not only make Gatina accessible but will also help us in the event of disasters like fire which are a common occurrences in this area, fire engines will easily access.
Hon Swaka supervising work on salim road.
Besides opening up Gatina, Hon Swaka has enhanced lighting in Gatina. He opines that to help mama mbogas who carry out roadside businesses lighting must be a priority in the area.
Education is key for our country’s growth.
One area that has remained dear to Hon Swaka’s heart and soul is the education sector. Himself being an educationist, Mwalimu Swaka has ensured timely, efficient and transparent issuance of bursaries to the people of Gatina.
‘Education is the only gift we can give to our young boys and girls. When I assumed office, I promised the people of Gatina an above board and equitable distribution of bursaries. We have given our people bursaries without asking them of their political persuasion, religion, tribe or race. All the needy cases have been issued with bursaries. Besides education bursaries for high school students, we have sponsored over 80 boys and girls to driving schools. This will equip those young people with the necessarys skills for building our nation.” added Mwalimu Swaka.
Hon Swaka has only been in office for slightly a year but the people of Gatina have started reaping the fruits of trusting this young leader.
When asked about his future plans and whether he intends to run for a higher office he said,
“Right now we have alot of work to do here in Gatina. As area MCA my duty is to serve the electorates and support our area MP Hon Elachi realize her dream of making DN better”.
