Nairobi Governor Sakaja Rejects Return of Metropolitan Services Despite National Government Partnership
Nairobi, 12 February 2026
Governor Johnson Sakaja firmly denies surrendering county functions to national government, calling such claims a ‘misadventure’ following speculation about President Ruto’s confidence in his leadership. Speaking during his state of county address on 11 February 2026, Sakaja clarified that recent agreements involve collaboration rather than power transfer, citing the previous Nairobi Metropolitan Services experiment left a £12.8 million debt hole and damaged devolution principles. The partnership will focus on waste management, road infrastructure, and water supply improvements while maintaining constitutional county autonomy.
Constitutional Functions Remain Under County Control
The governor’s emphatic rejection of function transfers stems from the costly legacy of the previous Nairobi Metropolitan Services arrangement. Speaking during his State of the County Address on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, Sakaja characterised claims of returning to the NMS model as a ‘misadventure’, noting that the previous experiment ‘left us with a Ksh16 billion hole in pending bills, low morale and destruction of devolution’ [1]. The governor was unequivocal in his position: ‘The functions bestowed upon the county government of Nairobi in the constitution will remain county functions; we shall not transfer any functions’ [1]. This declaration came barely 24 hours after reports emerged suggesting President William Ruto and Sakaja had agreed on a shared responsibility formula for managing critical departments in Nairobi [1].
Collaboration Over Capitulation
Rather than ceding authority, Sakaja clarified that his administration seeks collaboration with the national government through existing legal frameworks. The governor explained that the county is ‘pursuing procedures using the urban areas and cities act to enhance support in infrastructure, but the city will continue to be governed as a county government under the law’ [1]. This collaborative approach represents a significant departure from previous arrangements, focusing on joint initiatives whilst preserving constitutional autonomy. The partnership will encompass construction of new classrooms and expansion of road networks across the city, with support from national agencies including KURA and KeRRA [1].
Strategic Infrastructure Initiatives
The renewed cooperation between county and national governments centres on addressing Nairobi’s persistent urban challenges through targeted infrastructure improvements. A key component involves a joint programme for cleanliness, roads and water improvements, including plans for a modern waste-management facility in Ruai [1]. This facility is designed to convert refuse into fertiliser and energy once fully operational, representing a significant upgrade to the capital’s waste management capabilities [1]. On 8 February 2026, President Ruto affirmed his commitment to collaborative efforts, stating: ‘I will come here with my work on affordable housing, cleaning, and markets, and I know the people of Nairobi will decide from there’ [1].
Public Scrutiny and Political Pressure
The governor’s defensive stance reflects mounting pressure amid questions about his administration’s capacity to manage Nairobi’s complex urban challenges effectively. Reports suggest concerns within political circles about whether President Ruto maintains confidence in Sakaja’s leadership capabilities [2]. The capital faces persistent issues including uncollected garbage, widespread potholes, and chronic water shortages, creating public frustration with service delivery standards [2]. These challenges have intensified scrutiny of the governor’s performance, particularly as residents continue to experience deteriorating infrastructure conditions despite previous promises of improvement [2].