Nairobi City County Speaker Ken Ngondi has welcomed the cooperation agreement signed on February 17, 2026, between Governor Johnson Sakaja and President William Ruto’s national government, saying it will strengthen service delivery and development in the capital.
Mr Ngondi described the pact as a positive step toward addressing key challenges in Nairobi’s infrastructure, water supply, waste management, roads and other services that residents rely on.
He said the continued cooperation between the national and county governments is critical to elevating Nairobi’s status as the economic hub of East and Central Africa.
‘” When you look at the current funding formula for counties,there is no doubt we need to relook into how we can make timely interventions through such corperation pacts which I believe is vital for our growth,”
Ngondi also pledged that the County Assembly will conduct a thorough public participation exercise before the agreement is fully implemented, ensuring that citizens and stakeholders have a voice in the process.
At the signing ceremony held at State House, Nairobi, President Ruto emphasised that the pact is not a takeover of county functions but structured support for the capital, which has national and international significance.
He said the national government will work with Nairobi County on cooperation in areas such as water and sewerage, roads and drainage, housing infrastructure, as well as solid waste management and river regeneration — all aimed at improving the quality of life for residents.
“I have no interest in running Nairobi — my hands are full,” noting that Nairobi’s government and leadership remain responsible for managing the city while the national government supports where needed.
Governor Sakaja, meanwhile, clarified that the agreement does not involve transferring county powers to the national government.
He said the cooperation framework recognises Nairobi’s unique role as both a county and the nation’s capital, and that the collaboration will help attract additional resources to accelerate major city projects without undermining devolution.
The partnership sets up joint coordination mechanisms for planning and implementation, and anticipates improved results in areas where county resources alone have been insufficient.
