Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has drawn a red line in the sand, categorically rejecting any suggestion that he is preparing to hand over county functions to the National Government. Amidst swirling rumors of a "NMS 2.0," Sakaja remains defiant, insisting that the mandate given to him by the people of Nairobi is non-negotiable and sacrosanct.

The speculation reached fever pitch following a high-profile meeting between Sakaja and President William Ruto at State House, culminating in the signing of a cooperation agreement on February 17. Critics, led by Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Senator Edwin Sifuna, immediately branded the deal a betrayal of devolution, evoking the ghost of the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) era which saw the previous governor stripped of key powers.

Cooperation, Not Capitulation

Speaking to the press, Sakaja sought to debunk what he termed "fake news." He clarified that the agreement is purely a framework for development cooperation, designed to unlock national funding for capital-intensive projects that the county budget cannot support alone. [...](asc_slot://start-slot-35)"I have not agreed and cannot sign any contract to hand over county functions," Sakaja declared. "I honour the mandate the people gave me."

The Governor pointed to specific projects like the Maragua 4 dam—crucial for solving the city's perennial water crisis—as the true focus of the partnership. "The National Government has the capacity to fund these mega-projects. Refusing to cooperate because of political paranoia would be a disservice to Nairobians," he argued. He emphasized that under Article 187, transfer of functions requires a specific deed and assembly approval, neither of which exists.

• The NMS Trauma: The memory of the military-led NMS, which ran the city from 2020 to 2022, remains a sore point. Sakaja acknowledged this, describing it as a "misadventure" that left a Sh16 billion debt hole.
• Political Crossfire: The Governor claims the attacks are premature 2027 electioneering. By framing the cooperation as a surrender, his opponents hope to weaken his grip on the city's electorate.

Standing Firm

Despite the assurances, the political heat is unlikely to dissipate. Senator Sifuna has threatened legal action, demanding full disclosure of the agreement's details. For Sakaja, the challenge is now twofold: delivering the tangible benefits of this national partnership—cleaner streets, flowing water, better housing—while fiercely guarding the autonomy of City Hall.

"The only way to cede such powers would be through a referendum," Sakaja stated, closing the door on the debate. For now, the Governor remains in charge, but the watchful eyes of Nairobi's vigilant opposition will be scrutinizing every move, ready to pounce at the first sign of a power slip.