POAK CEO Njogu Urges Stronger Business-Government Cooperation to Transform Nairobi

Taifanews 

Macharia David 

Petroleum Outlets Association of Kenya (POAK) CEO Njogu has called for sustained dialogue between Nairobi County and the business community, saying closer cooperation is essential as the capital expands and prepares to host a regional conference.

Speaking during the Nairobi Business Breakfast, Njogu cited previous cooperation between the petroleum sector and county officials in resolving disputes over fire licences and urban planning compliance as evidence of the value of direct engagement.

He urged the county to maintain regular consultations with businesses and other stakeholder groups, saying such discussions could help address challenges before they escalate.

Njogu said Nairobi has about 450 petrol stations serving a population of roughly seven million people. He added that the sector was adapting to rising demand as the city expands, with modern stations increasingly offering shopping, healthcare, banking and other financial services.

A well-equipped station, he said, requires an investment of about $1 million, underscoring the need for a predictable regulatory environment and closer cooperation between businesses and government.

Njogu said the petroleum sector was ready to work with the county on issues affecting investment, compliance and service delivery. He added that practical engagement would help ensure that regulations reflected the realities facing businesses operating in Nairobi.

He said the forthcoming petroleum summit would provide an important platform for industry players, government agencies, county officials and other stakeholders to examine the sector’s contribution to Nairobi’s economy. The meeting is expected to focus on regulatory coordination, safety standards, licensing, infrastructure, investment opportunities and the role of petroleum outlets in supporting urban growth.

Njogu said the summit would also allow stakeholders to discuss emerging pressures facing the petroleum industry, including rising operating costs, changing consumer needs, environmental concerns and the need to improve emergency preparedness. He urged participants to approach the meeting with practical proposals that could strengthen cooperation and reduce delays in resolving industry challenges.

He said a coordinated approach was particularly important as Nairobi prepared to host more regional meetings and attract additional investment. Reliable fuel supply, safe transport infrastructure and efficient public services, he added, would be essential to the city’s ability to serve businesses, residents and visitors.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja supported the call for stronger cooperation, directing county officials to hold more frequent consultations with businesses and other stakeholder groups.

Speaking at the same event, Sakaja instructed county directors and chief officers to engage business membership organisations, residents’ associations and other groups regularly.

“All these organisations need to feel that City Hall is with them, working with them through the issues and understands the needs,” Sakaja said.

The governor said Nairobi’s growing economic importance also carried a responsibility to strengthen its regional role. He said the forthcoming regional conference in Kenya would give stakeholders an opportunity to discuss urban development, business growth and ways to make cities more responsive to residents and investors.

Sakaja said Nairobi could not remain frozen in its past as demand for housing, commercial space and services increased. He pledged that the county would involve businesses and other stakeholders in physical planning while ensuring infrastructure and public amenities kept pace with development.

He cited the reduction of trailer parking fees from Sh3,000 to Sh1,000 as an example of how government-business cooperation can improve compliance, saying the lower charge had encouraged more operators to pay.

Both Njogu and Sakaja said sustained engagement would help produce practical solutions to Nairobi’s challenges as the city expands and consolidates its position as a regional economic centre.