Nairobi MPs endorse Ruto–Sakaja cooperation deal, dismiss claims of power grab

In a joint statement issued following the February 17 signing, the legislators said the agreement, executed by President William Ruto and Governor Johnson Sakaja, provides a structured mechanism for the two levels of government to jointly address the complex demands of managing the capital.

Led by T. J. Kajwang and supported by Esther Passaris, Felix Odiwuor (Jalang’o), Peter Orero, Senator Tabitha Mutinda, and Karen Nyamu, the lawmakers dismissed claims that the arrangement undermines devolution, clarifying that it does not invoke Article 187 of the Constitution, which provides for the transfer of functions between governments.

“This is not a transfer of functions. The agreement does not move any constitutional mandate from the Nairobi City County Government to the National Government,” the MPs stated.

Instead, they said, the framework is anchored in Article 189 of the Constitution and Section 6 of the Urban Areas and Cities Act, which provide for intergovernmental cooperation where responsibilities overlap or require coordinated execution.

According to the legislators, Nairobi’s status as the capital creates governance demands that extend beyond the scope of a typical county administration, necessitating closer collaboration with the national government to ensure efficient planning, infrastructure development, and service delivery.

They noted that the agreement targets practical interventions in sectors that directly affect residents across all 17 sub-counties, including solid waste management, road networks and urban mobility, street lighting, market and MSME infrastructure, housing-related support services, water and sanitation, and environmental rehabilitation.

“The focus is service delivery, not politics. These are everyday realities affecting families, traders, commuters, and businesses,” the statement read.

The MPs further assured residents that all funds deployed under the cooperation framework would remain subject to established accountability structures, including oversight by Parliament of Kenya, audits by the Auditor-General, and compliance with the Public Finance Management Act and public participation requirements.

They argued that coordinated governance models are common in major capitals globally and are essential for positioning Nairobi as a competitive regional hub.

“Development of the Capital City should not be stalled by partisan posturing or constitutional mischaracterization. Nairobi must not be denied the opportunity to modernize, compete globally, and provide dignified services to its residents,” they added.

The legislators reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding devolution while supporting initiatives they say will accelerate infrastructure renewal, strengthen accountability, and improve the quality of life for city residents and the broader population of Kenya.