Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has revealed that President William Ruto has personally funded the purchase of a chapati-making machine capable of producing between 6,000 and 8,000 chapatis per day. Speaking during a public event in Nairobi, Sakaja said the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to empower local communities through innovation and job creation.
“President Ruto has paid for one chapati-making machine that makes 6,000 to 8,000 chapatis per day. The county is in the process of getting another machine,” Sakaja stated, noting that the equipment will significantly boost food production and create opportunities for small-scale traders.
The project is expected to support youth and women’s groups involved in the food business, especially within low-income areas of Nairobi. According to the governor, the machines will help streamline chapati production for schools, hospitals, and community feeding programs, reducing manual labor while increasing output.
Sakaja further explained that the county government plans to expand such projects across various wards as part of its “Nairobi for Business” initiative, which aims to empower residents through practical economic programs rather than handouts.
The announcement has drawn mixed reactions from the public. Supporters praised the move as a creative step toward addressing unemployment and food insecurity, while critics questioned whether such projects truly reflect the city’s most urgent priorities.
Nonetheless, the partnership between the national and county governments signals a growing focus on community-level empowerment — a shift that could redefine how local development is approached in Kenya’s capital.
