President William Ruto has addressed claims of State House taking over Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja’s roles under the new Cooperation deal.
Speaking during the second Urban Africa Forum on Wednesday, April 9, Ruto said there is a “world of difference” between the defunct Nairobi Metropolitan Service (NMS) DEAL and the partnership the national government has with the Nairobi County Government.
“Under the previous arrangement, there was a transfer of functions. In this cooperation deal, we are not undertaking any transfer of functions. We are working in partnership with Nairobi County because it is the capital city of Kenya,” Ruto said.
The Nairobi County Government and the national government signed a Ksh80 billion cooperation pact to streamline planning and delivery of key projects across the city.
Ruto Defends Cooperation Framework Between Govt and Nairobi County
The agreement, signed in February this year, establishes a joint responsibility framework to oversee implementation of key sectors including housing, roads, water provision, and waste management.
The Head of State noted that the law clearly states that the Nairobi City County must have a special arrangement with the national government, as the county is also the seat of the Government of Kenya.
Also Read: Explained: Why Nairobi Faces Recurrent Flooding and What Should be Done
According to Ruto, the deal is not about the President or the Governor, but about the people of Kenya and the capital city.
The key work streams include water and sewerage, roads, bridges, and drainage; housing and related infrastructure development, including lighting; and solid waste management and the regeneration of the Nairobi River.
“That partnership is important. We have agreed on the parameters that need to be undertaken to ensure the city is clean, well-lit, and motorable,” he added.
Also Read: Police Close Nairobi CBD Roads Ahead of Ruto’s Address
Governor Sakaja Denies Transferring County Functions
Sakaja had earlier dismissed speculation that his deal with President William Ruto signaled a transfer of county functions to the National Government, declaring that he would “not betray” the constitutional mandate entrusted to him by city residents.
The Governor directly referenced the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) period, describing it as costly, disruptive, and damaging to staff morale, and blamed it for leaving the county with about KSh16 billion in pending bills.
“I honor the mandate given to me by the people of Nairobi. They entrusted me with constitutional authority, and I will not betray that trust. In 2020, Nairobi got into a misadventure — the NMS experience left the county with a KSh16 billion pending-bills burden. We shall not transfer any county functions,” said Sakaja.
“However, collaboration with the National Government will continue. For those who think otherwise, they are free to look for another county and another governor — not Sakaja Johnson.”
About the Deal
A key outcome of the renewed engagement is a joint program to improve cleanliness, roads, and water, including a large-scale waste-management rollout scheduled to begin in April.
According to county officials, funds have already been allocated, a contractor has been selected, and land has been secured in Ruai for a modern waste-processing facility expected to convert refuse into fertilizer and energy once fully operational.
Additional national support is also expected in urban roads, sewerage expansion, water-supply projects, and public lighting, with several stalled infrastructure projects initiated under the defunct NMS earmarked for completion through relevant national agencies.
