Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has refuted reports suggesting that his administration has transferred core county functions to the national government.
The governor was responding to a television report aired on Tuesday, February 10, which alleged that he had signed an agreement with President William Ruto to relinquish several major responsibilities traditionally managed by the county.
According to the report, the national government had supposedly assumed control of services including waste collection and disposal, public works, road construction and maintenance, and water supply.
Sakaja, however, categorically denied the claims. In response to Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna—who termed the alleged move unconstitutional—the governor described the story as false and maintained that no functions had been surrendered.
He insisted that the county government continues to operate within its constitutional mandate.
Sifuna had argued that any formal transfer of devolved functions would require a legally binding deed of transfer approved by the Nairobi County Assembly.
He said he had not seen evidence of such a process, raising concerns about compliance with constitutional requirements if the reports were accurate.
The speculation emerged shortly after President Ruto publicly affirmed his commitment to working closely with Sakaja to improve Nairobi’s infrastructure and service delivery.
Speaking in the capital on Sunday, February 8, the President emphasised collaboration between the two levels of government, particularly in areas such as affordable housing, markets, and urban cleanliness.
Ruto also announced that the national and county governments had reached a joint understanding regarding the future of the Dandora dumpsite.
Under the plan, waste management operations would gradually shift to Ruai, where a modern facility is expected to be developed.
The proposed project, to be financed through a partnership between the national and county governments, aims to establish an advanced waste treatment plant capable of converting refuse into fertiliser, energy, and other reusable products.
The Head of State said the clean-up of Dandora would be carried out in phases as part of a broader strategy to modernise Nairobi’s waste management system.
The President underscored that restoring cleanliness in the capital requires coordinated efforts and pooled resources from both levels of government.
Despite the collaboration on specific initiatives, Sakaja maintains that Nairobi County has not relinquished any of its legally assigned functions.
Tags
News