Africa-Press – Kenya. President William Ruto is scheduled to address the Nairobi City County Assembly next month, marking the first occasion of a sitting head of state speaking to a county assembly in the country.
Ruto is expected to speak to the Nairobi Assembly on Thursday, April 9, following an invitation from the MCAs, according to his Chief of Staff, Felix Koskei.
“I make reference to your letter dated Ref. No. NCCA/SPK/OP?2026/02/01 dated 18th February, 2026, inviting His Excellency the President to address the County Assembly on 9th April, 2026,” Koskei wrote in a letter addressed to Speaker Ken Ngondi.
The correspondence, dated March 23, adds: “This is therefore to inform you that the event has been programmed accordingly on 9th April, 2026, at 2.30 pm at the Assembly Chambers, City Hall, Nairobi. You are requested to forward a brief and any other relevant information to this office for use by His Excellency.”
Since the introduction of devolution sixteen years ago, no head of state has addressed any of the 47 county assemblies, an unprecedented event that has prompted Nairobi MCAs to prepare for new protocols.
To comply with constitutional and statutory requirements, both Parliament and county assemblies have established Standing Orders that outline procedures for debate and discussion following addresses by the heads of the executive.
“This is the first time it is happening, and we are setting the pace. As a county assembly, we are taking this positively. It affirms that devolution is continuing. We are grateful and honoured to host the President,” County Assembly Clerk Edward Gichana said.
Asked about handling the address given, current Standing Orders, Gichana noted that Ruto will be speaking under Standing Order number 28, which allows any dignitary to address the house.
Since the address is inaugural and precedent-setting, Gichana said MCAs may need to review the Standing Orders to accommodate debate and formal adoption of the speech. A committee chaired by Speaker Ng’ondi has been meeting to plan protocol and logistics for the event.
