President Ruto and Governor Sakaja signed a cooperation agreement allocating funds for 50,000 new streetlights, water plants saving 50 million litres daily, 27 km Nairobi River sewer and ward road upgrades, with Ruto calling it a partnership to make the city livable while opposition senators warn of devolution threats.
President William Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja signed a Cooperation Agreement at State House on Tuesday that allocates substantial funds for 50,000 new streetlights, water treatment plants expected to save 50 million litres of water daily, a 27-kilometre sewer line along the Nairobi River and road upgrades across multiple wards.
The signing ceremony, attended by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and several MPs, marks the formalisation of a framework for joint national-county work on critical urban services. President Ruto described the agreement as a genuine partnership aimed at making Nairobi more livable and secure without shifting constitutional powers away from the county.
“This is not about taking functions from Nairobi County,” Ruto said during the signing. “It is about combining resources and expertise so that residents experience real change—better lighting, cleaner water, reduced flooding through proper sewerage and smoother roads in every ward. Devolution thrives when governments cooperate, not compete.”
The agreement commits the national government to funding and technical support for the listed projects while leaving implementation oversight with the county government. The 50,000 streetlights initiative targets improved security and extended business hours in informal settlements and outer wards. The water plants are projected to increase daily supply capacity and reduce losses from leaks and illegal connections. The 27-kilometre Nairobi River sewer line aims to reduce raw sewage discharge and alleviate flooding in the central business district and downstream areas during rainy seasons. Road upgrades will focus on feeder and access roads in underserved wards.
Governor Sakaja reiterated that no county functions were being surrendered. “This agreement respects the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution,” Sakaja said. “Garbage collection, road maintenance, public works and water supply remain fully under Nairobi County. What we have signed is a financing and coordination framework that brings additional national resources to accelerate delivery. Residents will see the difference on the ground.”
President Ruto also directed the Interior ministry to develop a new policing framework for Nairobi within 60 days. “We need a model that integrates national and county security efforts while respecting devolved functions,” Ruto said. “The framework must address crime hotspots, improve response times and build trust between police and communities.”
The agreement has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna warned that the deal risks unconstitutional transfer of functions. “We support any genuine effort to improve services,” Sifuna said. “But we will not allow subtle clawback of devolved powers through cooperation agreements. The Senate will scrutinise this document line by line to ensure Nairobi retains full control of its functions.”
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino echoed the concern. “Streetlights, sewers and roads are county responsibilities,” Owino said. “If national government is funding them, there must be iron-clad guarantees that implementation stays with the county. We have seen similar agreements used to undermine devolution elsewhere. Nairobi must not become the next victim.”
Reactions from residents are mixed but largely hopeful. A trader in Kariobangi said: “If this brings lights to our streets and fixes the roads, I don’t mind who pays as long as the work is done.” A resident in Kibra added: “We have waited too long for clean water and proper sewers. Let them sign whatever they need to sign—just deliver.”
Critics from civil society organisations have called for full public disclosure of the agreement text. Transparency International Kenya Executive Director Sheila Masiga said: “Cooperation is good, but citizens have a right to see the exact terms. Any ambiguity on function control can lead to future disputes.”
The signing follows months of negotiations between State House, the Ministry of Interior and Nairobi County Government aimed at addressing chronic service delivery gaps in the capital. Both sides have committed to joint monitoring committees and quarterly progress reports to ensure accountability.
The agreement also includes provisions for coordinated security operations, waste management modernisation and drainage improvements to reduce flooding. Implementation is expected to begin immediately, with initial disbursements for streetlight procurement and sewer line surveys already approved.
As Nairobi continues to grapple with rapid urbanisation, population pressure and infrastructure deficits, the cooperation deal is being viewed as both an opportunity and a potential flashpoint for intergovernmental relations.
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