Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja addressed reports that he has transferred county functions to President William Ruto, following recent developments at State House.
Earlier, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna stated that constitutionally, any transfer of functions requires a deed of transfer and approval by the county assembly.
“Constitutionally, there has to be a deed of transfer of functions. It has to be approved by the county assembly. I have seen neither,” he said.
In response, Sakaja termed the reports “Fake news”, confirming that no responsibilities or powers have been handed over.
“Fake news. No functions or roles ceded,” Sakaja said.
Ruto Unveils Major Development Plans for Nairobi County
Ruto, while addressing residents of the Pipeline area in Embakasi, Nairobi County on February 8, 2026, a series of development initiatives aimed at addressing key challenges in Nairobi County, including poor waste management, informal settlements, water shortages, deteriorating roads, and unstable electricity supply.
Additionally, he confirmed the government plans to construct one priority road in each of the 85 electoral wards, with a focus on the Maragua 4 Dam project to boost the city’s water supply and stabilise electricity.
“To keep Nairobi clean, a comprehensive garbage management service will begin on April 1, 2026, ensuring timely collection throughout the city,” he said.
Additionally, he cited a treatment plant to be built at the Dandora Dumpsite to manage waste, produce fertiliser and generate energy from next year.
“We are also investing a total of KSh220 billion in Nairobi to build 169,000 affordable housing units, 16 modern markets, and hostels to accommodate 14,000 students. In addition, we are building 700 classrooms in public schools, providing additional places to 21,000 learners,” Ruto said
Ndii On Whether Ruto Will Take Over Nairobi County from Sakaja
Economist David Ndii weighed in on the political discourse over Nairobi County leadership, weighing whether Ruto will take over the county from Governor Jonson Sakaja.
In a post on December 8, 2025, Ndii advised and emphasised the importance of constitutional processes.
“We are for constitutionalism. Let Nairobians deal with their problems. Vote wisely,” Ndii stated.
Additionally, he responded to questions on whether the national government might relocate its functions to ease pressure on public services.
In his comments, Ndii clarified that there is no indication that President William Ruto will take over the leadership of Nairobi County from Governor Sakaja, leaving the matter to be decided by the electorate.
Also Read: Ruto Announces Relocation of Dandora Dumpsite in Major Nairobi Transformation
“I don’t know. It’s not on our priorities. We have our hands full with many other things. You cannot solve all of a country’s challenges at one go,” Ndii noted.
How Kenyatta’s Government Took Over County Functions from Sonko to NMS
President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration assumed control of key Nairobi County functions by creating the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) in early 2020.
This move was meant to address service delivery challenges amid allegations of corruption in Governor Mike Sonko’s administration.
On February 25, 2020, Governor Sonko signed a Deed of Transfer at State House, handing over health services, transport, public works, and planning and development to the national government under Article 187 of the Kenyan Constitution.
President Kenyatta and Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa witnessed the signing.
Also Read: Sakaja’s Cabinet Addresses Relocations as Nairobi Moves to Enforce Riparian Laws
Sonko later claimed he had been coerced or influenced when agreeing to the transfer.
Establishment of NMS Leadership and Return of Control to County Government
On March 18, 2020, Kenyatta appointed Major General (Rtd) Mohamed Badi as Director-General of NMS, a national government entity responsible for managing the transferred functions.
On June 3, 2020, the President issued an executive order further consolidating NMS’s role, including the appointment of military officers to its leadership and strengthening oversight of Nairobi’s development.
NMS oversaw the transferred functions for approximately two years, until early 2022, after which control returned to the Nairobi County government under Governor Johnson Sakaja.
Governor Sonko was impeached and removed from office on December 18, 2020, amid continued disputes with the national government.
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