Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and President William Ruto on Tuesday reassured residents that the Ksh 80 billion cooperation agreement between Nairobi City County and the national government respects devolution while boosting critical city projects.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Sakaja described the deal as “historical” and aimed at improving services without transferring county functions.
“Today, I joined President H.E William Ruto to sign a historical cooperation agreement with the National Government unlocking Ksh 80 billion for the city,” Sakaja said.
“The cooperation agreement does not transfer county functions nor weaken devolution. Instead, in true spirit of devolution, it is a lawful statutory collaboration expressly anchored on Section 6 of the Urban Areas and Cities Act, which provides a clear legal pathway for the National Government to work directly with Nairobi in recognition of its unique status as Kenya’s capital.”
President Ruto emphasized that the agreement is not a takeover of county functions.
“What we are augmenting today is not a transfer of functions. I have no interest in running the city of Nairobi; my hands are full. I however have an obligation as a President to assist the city of Nairobi,” he said.
Ruto further underscored the legal foundation of the deal, citing existing legislation.
“This cooperation agreement is anchored in the Constitution, in the Intergovernmental Relations Act, and in the Urban Areas and Cities Act. We are not operating in a vacuum,” he added.
The funds will target projects that directly affect Nairobi residents’ daily lives, including roads and housing infrastructure, modern waste management systems, water and sanitation services, street lighting, and public safety.
Sakaja reiterated his commitment to service delivery and to building a city that meets citizens’ aspirations. “I remain committed to service delivery, the resolve to build a better city than we found it, and to capture the aspirations of our people,” he said.
The agreement comes amid public concern that national government involvement could undermine county autonomy. Both leaders stressed that the deal is fully lawful and designed to complement county initiatives.
Residents have welcomed the Ksh 80 billion injection, hoping it will address long-standing urban challenges, including poor roads, inadequate street lighting, and sanitation issues.
The ceremony marked a new phase in county-national government collaboration, balancing devolution principles with the practical need for strategic investments in Kenya’s largest city.