A section of UDA aspirants during the meeting in Nairobi/COURTESY

‎United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party aspirants in Nairobi have called for free, fair and transparent party nominations ahead of the 2027 General Election, warning that the process will be critical in determining the party’s political fortunes in the capital.

‎The aspirants said the party should provide a level playing field for all candidates seeking elective positions, arguing that credible nominations would help build confidence among members and prevent divisions ahead of the polls.

‎Led by Faith Nguthu, who is eyeing the Woman Representative seat, the aspirants also called for greater investment in youth empowerment, skills development and entrepreneurship.

‎"We want to ask our party to ensure that all candidates are treated equally during nominations, because transparency would be essential in maintaining unity and strengthening the party’s support in the county," she said.

‎Speaking during a meeting in Nairobi, Nguthu said Nairobi had immense talent and ambition but needed stronger links between skills and economic opportunities.

‎“I am here to share my vision, and to listen: to your ideas, your challenges, your plans for a better Nairobi,” she said.

‎Nguthu also used the opportunity to call for support saying her vision was inspired by Singapore’s transformation into a modern economy, arguing that Nairobi could draw lessons from the Asian city-state’s investment in planning, innovation, skills and leadership.

‎“My vision is simple. Mimi ni MAMA SINGAPORE! TWENDE SINGAPORE!” she said.

‎“Because with the right planning, skills, innovation and leadership, Singapore turned economic potential into opportunity for its people, and fast.”

‎She said Kenya’s capital could adapt relevant lessons from Singapore to address its own challenges, particularly unemployment and the difficulties young people face in turning their skills into sustainable livelihoods.

‎“We are not Singapore today. But we can learn from it and adapt what works to Nairobi’s challenges. We hold the key to the change we need,” Nguthu said.

‎“Singapore is our classroom. Nairobi is our home. Our mission: bring solutions home.”

‎The aspirant said her agenda would focus on creating opportunities for young people, supporting entrepreneurs and promoting economic independence among Nairobi residents.

‎She noted that young people were familiar with the daily challenges of unemployment, limited opportunities and the struggle to convert ambition into income, making their participation in decision-making essential.

‎“You know the realities: unemployment, limited opportunities, the struggle to turn ambition into income. Your ideas must shape our solutions,” she said.

‎Nguthu challenged the youth to embrace innovation, enterprise and leadership that delivers practical results, saying political leaders should prioritise listening and building partnerships rather than making promises they cannot fulfil.

‎“Leadership is not the loudest promise. It is listening, building partnerships, advocating for solutions and delivering results,” she said.

‎She added that she could not promise to solve every challenge facing Nairobi but would commit to listening to residents and championing practical opportunities within the responsibilities of the Woman Representative’s office.

‎“I cannot promise to solve every challenge. I can commit to listen, engage and champion practical opportunities within the responsibilities of my office,” she said.

‎Nguthu said Nairobi had the talent and energy needed to grow its economy but required deliberate efforts to connect young people with opportunities.

‎“Nairobi ina talent mbaya. Nairobi has the ambition. Nairobi inavibe noma. What we must strengthen is the link between talent and opportunity,” she said.

‎Her remarks come as political aspirants begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 elections, with party nomination processes expected to shape competition for elective seats.