Sakaja rules out transferring Nairobi county functions to national govt
By William Muthama, October 15, 2025Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has dismissed speculation that the county government might hand over its functions to the national government, warning that such a move would create chaos.
Speaking during an interview on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, Sakaja recalled past experiences where similar transfers left the county with huge financial gaps.
“The last time that happened during the previous regime, it ended up disastrously. In two years, NMS left us with a pending Ksh16 billion despite appropriations from both the county assembly and the national government,” he said.
He noted that previous quick-fix arrangements, including unpaid contracts, had left contractors in debt, highlighting the need for accountability and structured collaboration rather than offloading county responsibilities.
Also watch: Nairobi politicians line up to unseat Sakaja in 2027 elections.
According to Sakaja, Nairobi County has assumed certain functions that would traditionally be under the national government.
He cited the school meals programme, implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Education, as an example.
“One out of four children in the city was going to school hungry. We had to step in because devolution allows services to be offered at the lowest level possible,” he explained.
The governor outlined other areas of collaboration, particularly in waste management, public lighting, and security.
“We’ve hired 4,000 young people to help manage waste and invested in equipment for the county. The national government’s role comes in at the final disposal sites, including waste-to-energy projects and recycling initiatives that require power purchase agreements and coordination with national entities,” Sakaja said.
Also watch: Sakaja and Ruto’s plans for Nairobi.
He also emphasised the need for collaboration on public lighting, noting vandalism and theft have been major challenges.
“Our officers don’t have weapons; the police provide support. These are areas where collaboration, not takeover, is essential,” Sakaja added.
Regarding funding, the governor clarified that the national government has not assumed financial responsibility for county functions.
“Any additional funding would have to be appropriated through the national assembly. Collaboration is about support and partnership, not replacing county responsibilities,” he said.
The governor’s remarks come amid President Ruto’s announcement of a new deal with Nairobi County to transform the city.
Unveiled on Sunday, October 12, 2025, the plan targets four key areas: a citywide cleanup, road upgrades, expanded street lighting, and a modern sewerage system, including the Nairobi River cleanup expected by January 2027.