President William Ruto’s address to the Members of Nairobi City County Assembly continues to draw mixed reactions with a number of leaders welcoming some of the intervention promised by the Head of State.
Ruto became the first sitting Head of State to address the Nairobi City County Assembly, drawing widespread praise from leaders who described the moment as a turning point in the management and transformation of the capital.
The President’s address at City Hall not only broke tradition but also signaled a new era of structured collaboration between the national and county governments, particularly following the Sh80 billion cooperation framework targeting key sectors such as housing, infrastructure, waste management and urban planning.
In his speech, Ruto painted a candid picture of Nairobi’s challenges, pointing to years of poor planning, congestion, flooding, and inequality that have undermined the city’s potential.
He stressed that Nairobi remains the engine of Kenya’s economy, contributing over 27 percent of the national GDP, and warned that failure to fix the city would have far-reaching national consequences.
He further took a firm stance on urban order, declaring that illegal structures—including those linked to powerful institutions—would not be spared, citing the planned demolition of part of a State House perimeter wall found to have encroached on riparian land.
Nairobi South B MCA Waithera Chege welcomed the President’s intervention, saying it reflected seriousness in addressing long-standing issues affecting residents.
“This is a defining moment for Nairobi. The national government’s support in key projects such as housing, roads, and waste management is a necessary partnership to restore dignity and order in our city,” she said.
Chege added that the intervention by the state would unlock stalled projects and ensure faster service delivery, particularly in densely populated areas that have historically been neglected.
Waithaka MCA Anthony Kiragu also praised the address, noting that it created a direct link between grassroots leadership and the presidency.
“For the first time, the President has come directly to the Assembly to outline his vision. This is a clear indication that Nairobi’s transformation is a top priority, and as MCAs, we are now better aligned to support implementation at the ward level,” Kiragu said.
Beyond the Assembly, the President’s visit also saw heightened activity in the Nairobi CBD, where he later engaged residents, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and public participation.
Ruto emphasized that Nairobi must be treated as a special national asset, calling for discipline, long-term planning, and decisive leadership to tackle cartels, restore order, and improve urban living standards.
