President Ruto and Governor Sakaja Highlight Service Delivery Gains in Nairobi

President William Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja have defended the cooperation agreement between the national government and Nairobi County, saying it is intended to improve service delivery in the capital and not to undermine devolution. The two leaders spoke amid criticism from some political leaders, civil society groups and residents who argue that the arrangement risks weakening the authority of the county government and concentrating power at the national level. Ruto and Sakaja maintained that the deal is lawful, practical and necessary to address long-standing challenges that have affected Nairobi for years.

The agreement allows the national government to work closely with the county administration in key sectors such as roads, health services, housing, waste management and security. According to the president, Nairobi faces unique pressures as the country’s capital and economic hub, hosting millions of residents during the day and night. He said these demands require coordinated action between the two levels of government to ensure services are delivered efficiently. Ruto noted that similar arrangements have been used in the past, arguing that the focus should be on results rather than political arguments.

Governor Sakaja echoed the president’s remarks, stating that the partnership does not transfer ownership of county functions but instead strengthens the capacity to implement projects. He said the county government will continue to play its constitutional role while benefiting from additional resources, technical support, and national oversight in large infrastructure projects. Sakaja pointed to ongoing road upgrades, market construction and waste management programs as examples of initiatives that have accelerated due to cooperation with national agencies.

Critics, however, say the deal could blur the lines between national and county responsibilities established under Kenya’s devolved system of government. Some opposition leaders have warned that if not carefully managed, such agreements could set a precedent that weakens county autonomy. They argue that counties were created to bring services closer to the people and that excessive national involvement might reverse those gains. Civil society organizations have also called for greater transparency, asking for full disclosure of the terms, timelines, and accountability mechanisms governing the partnership.

In response, Ruto insisted that the arrangement was developed within the framework of the Constitution and relevant laws. He emphasized that both levels of government share a responsibility to serve citizens and should not compete where collaboration can produce better outcomes. The president added that Nairobi’s challenges including traffic congestion, informal settlements, flooding, and waste disposal cannot be solved by one institution acting alone. He urged leaders to support practical solutions rather than politicize development efforts.

Residents have expressed mixed reactions. Some welcome the cooperation, saying they have already seen improvements in certain areas such as road maintenance and street lighting. Business owners in parts of the city have reported smoother transport of goods where infrastructure works have been completed. Others remain cautious, noting that past promises of reform have not always translated into lasting change. They say success should be measured by consistent service delivery, cleaner neighborhoods, reliable water supply, and safer public spaces.

Analysts observe that Nairobi’s governance has historically been complex due to its size, economic importance, and rapid population growth. The city contributes a significant share of Kenya’s GDP, making its performance critical to the national economy. For this reason, coordination between the county and national governments has often been necessary, especially for large projects that require substantial funding and technical expertise. Supporters of the current deal argue that structured cooperation may help avoid duplication of efforts and reduce bureaucratic delays.

Sakaja also addressed concerns about accountability, stating that his administration remains answerable to Nairobi residents and the county assembly. He said regular reporting mechanisms will ensure that projects undertaken jointly with the national government are monitored and evaluated. The governor encouraged residents to judge the partnership by tangible improvements rather than speculation, adding that public participation forums will continue to be held to gather feedback.

As debate continues, the effectiveness of the cooperation agreement will likely be assessed over time through visible changes in infrastructure, public services, and living conditions in the city. For now, both Ruto and Sakaja have signaled that they intend to move forward with the partnership despite criticism, framing it as a practical approach to addressing Nairobi’s pressing needs. Whether the arrangement becomes a model for other counties or remains a contested policy will depend largely on its outcomes and the level of trust it builds among residents.