President William Ruto has dismissed claims of a takeover of Nairobi County functions, clarifying that the cooperation agreement signed at State House is purely collaborative and aimed at fast-tracking service delivery in the capital.
Speaking on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, during the signing of the cooperative deal between Nairobi County and the National Government, Ruto emphasized that the deal does not amount to a transfer of devolved powers.
“What we are formalizing today is not a transfer of functions. Let me repeat—there is no transfer of functions taking place.
For the avoidance of doubt, I have no interest in running the city; my hands are already full. The governor and his team must continue to run the city. However, as president, I have an obligation to support and assist the capital city.”
The agreement was signed by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi on behalf of the National Government, while Governor Johnson Sakaja represented Nairobi County.
Ksh 3.7 billion for street lighting
President Ruto revealed that the government will invest Ksh.3.7 billion to modernize and expand street lighting infrastructure in Nairobi, noting that only a fraction of existing lighting points are functional.
“Nairobi has about 70,000 lighting points, but only about 30% are fully operational today, a city of Nairobi’s stature must be fully lit and functional. To address this, we are committing KSh3.7 billion towards street lighting modernization and expansion,” Ruto noted
The modernization plan is expected to enhance security and boost economic activity across the city.
Ksh. 1.5 billion for sewer and sanitization upgrade
As part of the Nairobi River regeneration program, the president announced a 9 billion allocation to construct two parallel 27-kilometer trunk sewer lines along the Nairobi River corridor.
An additional Ksh. 6 billion will fund a new sewer treatment plan.
“On sanitation, as part of the Nairobi River regeneration program, we are committing 9 billion to build 2 parallel 27-kilometer trunk sewer networks along the Nairobi River corridor and 6 billion for a new sewer treatment plan that will treat 60,000 cubic liters, securing capacity for at least the next 40 years.” President Ruto noted.
The investment aims to tackle longstanding sanitation challenges while restoring the Nairobi River ecosystem.
Dedicated Nairobi Metropolitan police unit
On security, Ruto directed the cabinet secretary for interior, Kipchumba Murkomen, to establish a specialized metropolitan police unit for Nairobi within 60 days.
“Security is non-negotiable, especially for a modern capital city like Nairobi. I therefore direct the CS interior to prepare and present within 60 days a framework for a dedicated Nairobi metropolitan police unit, to work hand in hand with Nairobi County security. We will, and we must make Nairobi safe.”
Markets and New Airport Plan
Revisiting campaign pledges made alongside Governor Sakaja, the President said the two levels of government will jointly construct 20 modern markets in the city—12 by the National Government and eight by the County Government.
“When we were campaigning, Sakaja and I, promised to build 20 modern markets in the city of Nairobi. The national government is going to build 12, the county government is going to build eight.”
The President further announced plans for a KSh 5 million modern market in Gikomba and revealed that construction of a new airport in Nairobi will commence in the coming months.
“We will roll out in a couple of months the construction of a new airport in Nairobi. Ladies and gentlemen, we must raise our ambition. We cannot continue to make peace with mediocrity; it is unacceptable.”
