The Nairobi City County Government is facing renewed scrutiny after explosive allegations emerged linking its Acting Director of Parking Services, Steve Ogesa, to a massive corruption scheme said to siphon off approximately Sh2.5 million in daily revenue.
Despite his acting term having lapsed months ago, Ogesa remains in office and is now accused of masterminding a well-organized cartel within the parking and enforcement departments.
Sources allege the operation involves over 100 county enforcement officers who collect illegal levies from traders under the guise of official county fees.
The racket reportedly operates in key market areas including Wakulima, Muthurwa, Gikomba, and Burma, where traders are coerced into paying unofficial fines.
According to insiders, the money is collected in cash and routed through a network of loyal intermediaries rather than being deposited into county accounts.
“This is a deeply entrenched operation that has been running for months,” said a senior official at City Hall, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “Traders are threatened, harassed, and in some cases have their goods confiscated if they refuse to pay. The county is losing millions every week.”
Despite repeated complaints from trader associations and red flags from internal audits, Ogesa reportedly continues to exert substantial influence over the county’s revenue systems. He is also accused of bribing oversight bodies — including County Assembly committees and members of the County Public Service Board — to maintain his position and avoid scrutiny.
Further allegations suggest Ogesa has used proceeds from the scheme to acquire real estate and import luxury vehicles, many registered under his name or those of close associates.
The revelations have sparked widespread public anger. Civil society groups and trader unions are now demanding Ogesa’s immediate suspension and a full forensic audit of all parking and enforcement revenue.
Governor Johnson Sakaja’s administration is also under fire for its apparent inaction, with critics pointing to longstanding reports of corruption within the revenue department that have gone unaddressed.
The parking and enforcement docket is widely regarded as one of the most lucrative — and most compromised — within City Hall. Previous directors have faced similar accusations of orchestrating parallel revenue schemes protected by entrenched networks.
If substantiated, the allegations against Ogesa could expose one of the largest corruption syndicates in Nairobi County’s recent history — a scheme that not only robs the city of critical funds but further erodes public confidence in local governance.
