No Transfer of Functions, Only Collaboration

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has dismissed recent speculation regarding the potential handover of key county functions to the national government. Speaking in an interview with NTV on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, Governor Sakaja firmly stated, "Absolutely not. There are no functions that are going to be transferred to the national government."

Sakaja emphasised that any ongoing discussions with the national government are centered on collaboration, not a transfer of power. He cited the Urban Areas and Cities Act, specifically Section 6, which outlines the necessity for cooperation, particularly given Nairobi's status as the capital city and a diplomatic hub.

Lessons from the NMS Era

The Governor referenced the previous arrangement under the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS), which he described as a "disastrous" experience. The NMS was established in March 2020 by then-President Uhuru Kenyatta, taking over key functions such as health, transport, public works, and physical planning from the Nairobi City County Government.

Sakaja highlighted that the NMS, despite receiving substantial budget allocations from both the county and national governments, left behind a pending bill of KSh 16 billion in just two years. While acknowledging that the NMS completed some projects, such as walkways and health facilities, many others remained unfinished, leaving contractors unpaid.

Current Collaborations and Future Plans

Governor Sakaja pointed to existing intergovernmental agreements, such as the school feeding programme initiated jointly with the Ministry of Education, as examples of successful collaboration where the county has taken on additional roles.

He further clarified that discussions with the national government involve strategic support in areas like waste-to-energy projects, recycling initiatives, and infrastructure development. These initiatives, he noted, require coordination with national agencies like the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) and the Ministry of Energy. The county is also in talks with the national government to reallocate a portion of the rural electrification levy to maintain streetlights in Nairobi.

Historical Context of Nairobi's Governance

Nairobi City County, one of Kenya's 47 counties, was established in 2013, replacing the Nairobi City Council. The devolved system of government, implemented since March 2013, aimed to bring public services closer to citizens and reconfigure the balance of power from the national government to county governments. Under the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution, both levels of government have distinct yet interdependent functions, operating on the basis of consultation and cooperation.

Unanswered Questions and Uncertainties

While Governor Sakaja has clarified his stance, the specific details of the proposed collaboration with the national government, particularly regarding resource allocation and the precise roles of each entity in new initiatives, are yet to be fully outlined. The public will be watching for clear frameworks to ensure accountability and efficient service delivery.

What to Watch

Kenyans should monitor the progress of the announced collaborations, particularly in waste management and infrastructure development, to assess their impact on service delivery. The implementation of the waste-to-energy project at the Dandora dumpsite and the redirection of electrification levies for street lighting will be key indicators of this partnership's effectiveness.