Africa-Press – Kenya. President William Ruto has clarified that the national government is not taking over the management of Nairobi, insisting that the county administration remains fully in charge of running the capital.
Speaking during a function on Tuesday, Ruto dismissed claims that recent engagements between the national government and Nairobi County amount to a transfer of functions.
“What we are formalising today is not a transfer of functions. Let me repeat — there is no transfer of functions taking place,” the President said.
He emphasised that the constitutional mandate of the county government remains intact, adding that he has no intention of assuming the governor’s role.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I have no interest in running the city; my hands are already full. The Governor and his team must continue to run the city,” Ruto stated.
The Head of State, however, underscored that as President, he has a duty to ensure the capital city functions effectively, given its national and international significance.
“However, as President, I have an obligation to support and assist the capital city,” he added.
Ruto said collaboration between the national and county governments is necessary to address Nairobi’s infrastructure, service delivery and security challenges, while respecting constitutional boundaries.
The remarks come amid heightened political debate over the role of the national government in supporting operations within the capital.
Last week, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja dismissed claims that he has transferred county functions to the National Government, describing the reports as a “dream.”
Sakaja reiterated his commitment to protecting devolution.
“Members, I honour the mandate given to me by the people of Nairobi. They entrusted me with constitutional powers to transform this city, and I will not betray that trust,” he told the MCAs.
The governor confirmed he has an agreement with Ruto to have the National Government support some county projects and functions, but stressed that this does not constitute a transfer of authority.
“Nairobi is not just a county but a capital city. Collaboration with the National Government is inevitable and encouraged. But, in the words of the former Prime Minister and father of devolution, Raila Odinga, we must protect devolution, the greatest gift given to the people of Kenya by our Constitution,” he said.
“We are pursuing procedures under the Urban Areas and Cities Act to enhance infrastructure support. But Nairobi will continue to be governed as a county government under the law. Those who have been hoping that the misadventure under NMS will happen again in Nairobi should look for another county and find another governor. This Governor, Johnson Sakaja, shall never go in that direction,” he added.
