Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has come out fighting, vehemently dismissing reports that City Hall is planning to cede key functions to the National Government.

In a fiery address that sought to quell rising political temperatures, Sakaja termed the rumors as "malicious propaganda" aimed at undermining devolution. The Governor’s stance is a direct response to speculation that the chaos in service delivery—particularly garbage collection and water supply—was being used as a pretext to revive a body similar to the defunct Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS). Sakaja’s message was unequivocal: Nairobi is not for sale, and its mandate is non-negotiable.

No Return to NMS

Sakaja’s defense hinged on the "disastrous" legacy of the NMS, which managed the city under the previous administration. "We all saw what happened when functions were transferred," Sakaja reminded the press. "We inherited pending bills of Sh16 billion and opaque contracts. I will not be the Governor who takes Nairobi back to that dark era."

The Governor clarified that any engagement with the National Government is strictly collaborative, as provided for in the Constitution, and not a transfer of power. He emphasized that the "sovereignty of the Nairobi voter" must be respected. "I was elected to fix this city, and I will fix it. I do not need a caretaker," he asserted.

• The Rumors: Social media has been abuzz with leaked "agreements" suggesting the transfer of Health and Transport functions.
• The Reality: Sakaja insists these are merely inter-governmental cooperation frameworks for specific projects like the commuter rail.
• Political Undertones: The denial comes amidst a power struggle within the ruling coalition, with some factions pushing for a tighter grip on the capital’s resources.

The Battle for control

This denial sets the stage for a high-stakes political standoff. Nairobi is the jewel in the crown of Kenya’s devolution, controlling a massive chunk of the national GDP. Control over its procurement and revenue streams is a prize many covet. By drawing a line in the sand, Sakaja is asserting his authority, but he is also inviting scrutiny.

The citizens of Nairobi, weary of uncollected trash and dry taps, care less about jurisdiction and more about results. Sakaja has bought himself time with this denial, but he must now deliver. If the city remains dysfunctional, the calls for a national takeover will grow from a whisper to a roar, regardless of his protests.