The Nairobi City County Government has signed a Cooperation Agreement with the National Government, marking a significant shift in the administration of the capital city.
The signing ceremony took place at State House, Nairobi, on February 17, 2026 at 3:00 PM.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi signed on behalf of the National Government as Governor Johnson Sakaja represented the County.
This agreement between Governor Johnson Sakaja’s administration and the executive under President William Ruto, aims to create a framework for joint intervention in several critical sectors.
Key Areas of Cooperation
While the full text of the agreement is expected to be released following the ceremony, sources indicate the partnership focuses on three primary areas.
Solid Waste Management: A structured rollout for city-wide garbage collection, reportedly beginning April 1.
Infrastructure: A joint project to tarmac at least one kilometer of road in each of Nairobi’s 85 wards and improve drainage systems.
Water Services: Efforts to expedite the Maragua 4 Dam project to increase the city’s water supply by 140 million liters.
Political Backlash and Constitutional Concerns
The move has sparked intense political debate, drawing parallels to the 2020 transfer of functions that led to the creation of the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS).
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has emerged as a leading critic, cautioning Governor Sakaja against “surrendering” devolved functions.
Sifuna argues that under Article 187 of the Constitution, any transfer of power requires a formal Deed of Transfer and mandatory approval from the County Assembly—steps he claims have been bypassed.
Governor Sakaja’s Defense
Governor Sakaja has spent the last week dismissing reports of a “takeover” as “fake news,” maintaining that the city is not ceding its roles.
During his State of the County address on February 11, Sakaja emphasized that Nairobi’s status as a capital city necessitates “inevitable collaboration” with the National Government to prepare for upcoming milestones, including the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Sakaja maintains that the arrangement is a strategic partnership for service delivery rather than a surrender of the constitutional mandate granted to him by voters.
