Ruto Dismisses Taking Over Sakaja's Roles, Reveals 4 Key Areas of Cooperation
President William Ruto has firmly dismissed speculations that the national government intends to take over functions from Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja, emphasizing instead a collaborative partnership to address the capital's challenges.
Speaking at State House on February 17, 2026, during the signing of the National Government-Nairobi County Cooperation Pact, Ruto clarified that the agreement is not a transfer of roles but an enhancement of structured support where the city's performance affects the entire nation. He stated, "For the avoidance of doubt, I have no interest in running the city of Nairobi; my hands are full. The governor and his team must run the city of Nairobi. But I have an obligation as the President of Kenya to assist the city of Nairobi." This pact aims to bolster cooperation without encroaching on county autonomy, highlighting the interconnected impact of Nairobi's issues on Kenya as a whole.
The cooperation framework outlines four critical areas to drive improvements in the city: water and sewerage, construction and rehabilitation of roads, bridges, and drainage, housing and related infrastructure development, and solid waste management alongside Nairobi River regeneration. In water and sewerage, the focus will be on enhancing access to clean and reliable water, expanding sewer networks, and upgrading outdated infrastructure to tackle shortages and illegal connections amid population growth. For roads and drainage, efforts will target better connectivity, reduced traffic congestion, and improved stormwater systems to mitigate flooding. Ruto also addressed Nairobi's lighting deficiencies, noting that only 21,000 out of 70,000 points are functional, and pledged KSh 3.7 billion to complete 10,000 points and add 40,000 more for a safer, fully illuminated city.
In housing, the partnership aligns with national goals for affordable homes through urban renewal, modern developments, and supporting utilities. The solid waste and river initiative seeks to overhaul collection and disposal methods for better public health and environmental sustainability, while restoring the Nairobi River ecosystem. This agreement builds on previous discussions between Ruto and Sakaja, including plans for major overhauls and the establishment of a Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit, underscoring a commitment to joint progress without overriding county leadership.
