Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has dismissed reports alleging that he has transferred key county functions to President William Ruto following recent developments at State House.
The claims surfaced amid renewed political debate over the management of Nairobi County, with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna questioning whether any constitutional process had been followed.
“Constitutionally, there has to be a deed of transfer of functions. It has to be approved by the county assembly. I have seen neither,” Sifuna stated.
In response, Governor Sakaja termed the reports “fake news,” maintaining that no county responsibilities or powers had been ceded to the national government.
“Fake news. No functions or roles ceded,” Sakaja said.
The controversy comes after President Ruto, while addressing residents of the Pipeline area in Embakasi on February 8, 2026, announced a series of development initiatives targeting key challenges facing the capital.
These include poor waste management, informal settlements, water shortages, deteriorating roads, and unstable electricity supply.
The President confirmed that the government plans to construct one priority road in each of Nairobi’s 85 electoral wards. He also highlighted the Maragua 4 Dam project as a key intervention to boost the city’s water supply and stabilise electricity.
“To keep Nairobi clean, a comprehensive garbage management service will begin on April 1, 2026, ensuring timely collection throughout the city,” Ruto said.
He further announced plans to establish a treatment plant at the Dandora Dumpsite to manage waste, produce fertiliser, and generate energy starting next year.
Additionally, Ruto revealed that the national government is investing Sh220 billion in Nairobi to build 169,000 affordable housing units, 16 modern markets, and hostels to accommodate 14,000 students.
The plan also includes the construction of 700 classrooms in public schools to create space for 21,000 learners.
Economist David Ndii also weighed in on the political discourse, urging adherence to constitutional processes. In a post dated December 8, 2025, Ndii emphasised the importance of constitutionalism.
“We are for constitutionalism. Let Nairobians deal with their problems. Vote wisely,” Ndii stated.
Responding to speculation about a possible national government takeover of Nairobi County, Ndii clarified that there is no indication President Ruto intends to assume leadership of the county.
“I don’t know. It’s not on our priorities. We have our hands full with many other things. You cannot solve all of a country’s challenges at one go,” Ndii said.
The debate has drawn parallels with events in 2020 when former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration assumed control of key Nairobi County functions through the creation of the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS).
On February 25, 2020, then-Governor Mike Sonko signed a Deed of Transfer at State House under Article 187 of the Constitution, handing over health services, transport, public works, and planning and development to the national government.
The signing was witnessed by President Kenyatta and then-Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa.
Sonko later claimed he had been coerced into agreeing to the transfer. He was impeached and removed from office on December 18, 2020.
On March 18, 2020, President Kenyatta appointed Major General (Rtd) Mohamed Badi as Director-General of NMS.
An executive order issued on June 3, 2020, further consolidated NMS’s role, including appointing military officers to its leadership structure.
NMS managed the transferred functions for approximately two years before control reverted to the Nairobi County government in early 2022, ahead of the 2022 General Election that ushered in Governor Sakaja.
The latest exchange underscores ongoing sensitivities surrounding devolution and the management of Nairobi County, particularly given the capital’s strategic and economic significance.
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