Sakaja Defends Nairobi–National Government Pact, Cites Urban Areas Act

By : Mweru Mbugua 

Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson appeared before the Senate’s Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations Committee on Wednesday to defend the recently signed cooperation agreement between Nairobi City County and the National Government

Addressing senators’ concerns on the pact’s legality, intent, and financial oversight, Sakaja emphasized that the agreement is lawful, long overdue, and in line with global best practices

“Every major city internationally has such arrangements. Nairobi, as Kenya’s capital, requires more resources to meet its demands,” Sakaja told the committee

The Governor cited Section 6 of the Urban Areas and Cities Act, which mandates cooperation between county and national governments. He noted that Nairobi’s current allocation of approximately Sh45 billion is insufficient compared to international cities like Paris, which manages a Sh1.5 trillion budget for two million residents

Sakaja clarified that the cooperation does not involve a transfer of functions under Article 187 of the Constitution, as would occur under the Nairobi Metropolitan Services model. “We continue to operate as a county, with additional national support for development projects,” he said

Highlighting ongoing initiatives, Sakaja mentioned a Sh1 billion national government contribution toward classroom construction and the Sh50 billion Nairobi River rehabilitation project, aimed at restoring the river and upgrading sewer infrastructure

On security, Sakaja explained that street lighting falls under national government responsibility and that collaboration would help address long-standing concerns

He also addressed public participation concerns, arguing that the Constitution already mandates intergovernmental cooperation. “The Constitution requires that the two levels of government shall cooperate. This legal framework reflects the people’s will,” he said

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Regarding the Sh80 billion financial package, Sakaja assured senators that parliamentary oversight mechanisms remain in place, with the National Assembly overseeing national expenditures and the Senate safeguarding county interests

Meanwhile, the Nairobi City County Assembly has started public participation forums on the cooperation agreement, holding hearings across all 17 sub-counties. The Senate committee is expected to review the agreement and table its recommendations as scrutiny continues over the future governance and financing of the capital