Sakaja Rejects Claims of Handing Over Nairobi County Functions to National Government

During his State of the County Address at the County Assembly, he described the speculation as misguided and emphasized his commitment to upholding the devolved powers granted by the Constitution. Sakaja stressed that he would never betray the trust placed in him by Nairobi residents, vowing to keep essential functions under county control rather than relinquishing them.

The controversy stemmed from a recent meeting between Sakaja and President William Ruto at State House, where the two leaders discussed a collaborative framework for addressing key urban challenges in the capital. This partnership includes joint efforts on cleanliness drives, road improvements, water supply enhancements, and a major waste management initiative set to launch soon, with plans for a modern facility in Ruai to process waste into fertilizer and energy. Sakaja clarified that such cooperation is necessary given Nairobi's status as the national capital but does not equate to any transfer of authority.

Reflecting on past experiences, the governor pointed to the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) period as a cautionary example, noting that it resulted in a staggering KSh16 billion in pending bills and disrupted county operations. He reiterated that no repeat of such an arrangement would occur, as Nairobi's constitutional mandate would remain intact while strategic alliances with the national government continue to accelerate development projects for the benefit of city residents.