President William Ruto has defended the KSh80 billion cooperation agreement between the National Government and the Nairobi City County Government, calling it a “bold step” to address the capital’s pressing challenges. Speaking in Westlands Constituency, Nairobi, during the handover of new classrooms at Kihumbuini Primary School and the opening of the Kangemi Overpass, he said the pact targets issues such as piling garbage, inadequate water supply, poor roads, and limited power connectivity.
The agreement follows months of negotiations between the two governments, formalized through a memorandum of understanding aimed at fast-tracking Nairobi’s development. Previous efforts to manage the city’s urban problems were hampered by overlapping mandates and funding gaps, leaving residents frustrated by poor service delivery.
“The partnership will restore order, improve living standards, and position Nairobi as a clean, functional, and investment-ready capital city that reflects the ambition of our nation,” Ruto said. He emphasized that coordinated efforts between the two levels of government are crucial for delivering tangible results to residents.
Nairobi Senator Edwin W. Sifuna, however, criticized the deal, saying the law was not followed in its approval. He argued that proper procedures, including parliamentary oversight and adherence to procurement rules, were bypassed, raising concerns about transparency and accountability.
Nairobi City County Governor Johnson Sakaja defended the agreement, describing it as a historic collaboration that will bring much-needed improvements to infrastructure, waste management, and water supply. He said the deal reflects the county’s commitment to work with the national government to transform Nairobi into a modern, livable city.
The KSh80 billion pact is expected to accelerate infrastructure upgrades, enhance public services, and attract private investment, signaling a new phase of urban transformation for Nairobi. Analysts say its success will depend on strict oversight, timely execution, and continued collaboration between national and county authorities.
