Governor Johnson Sakaja has come out strongly in defence of a cooperation agreement between the County Government of Nairobi and the national government, terming it a lawful and strategic partnership aimed at accelerating service delivery in the capital.
Appearing before the Senate amid mounting questions from lawmakers, Sakaja sought to clarify concerns surrounding the agreement’s intent, legality, and financial oversight. Senators had pressed the governor to explain whether the arrangement undermines devolution, how public funds are managed under the framework, and what safeguards are in place to ensure accountability.
Sakaja maintained that the partnership is anchored in the Constitution and relevant intergovernmental relations laws, dismissing claims that it erodes Nairobi’s autonomy. He argued that the agreement is designed to complement county functions, not to replace or recentralize them.
“The goal is simple,” Sakaja told senators. “It is about delivering services more efficiently to the people of Nairobi. Where the national government has capacity and resources that can support county functions, collaboration should not be viewed as a threat but as an opportunity.”
The cooperation agreement outlines joint efforts in key sectors, including infrastructure development, health services, housing, and urban renewal. According to Sakaja, Nairobi’s unique position as the country’s capital city presents challenges that require coordinated action between the two levels of government.
He noted that rapid urbanization, population growth, and aging infrastructure have stretched county resources, necessitating strategic partnerships. By working together, he said, the two governments can avoid duplication, streamline operations, and fast-track critical projects.
However, senators raised concerns about the financial implications of the deal, particularly regarding revenue streams and expenditure controls. Some lawmakers questioned whether funds allocated to the county could be diverted or managed outside established oversight structures.
In response, Sakaja emphasized that all financial transactions under the agreement remain subject to existing public finance management laws. He assured the Senate that county funds are still appropriated by the County Assembly and audited by the Auditor-General, in line with constitutional provisions.
“There is no parallel system of spending,” he said. “Every shilling is accounted for within the frameworks provided by law.”
The governor further explained that any resources contributed by the national government toward joint projects are managed transparently through intergovernmental agreements that specify roles, timelines, and reporting mechanisms. He added that oversight institutions, including Parliament and the Senate, retain their supervisory mandate.
The debate has rekindled broader discussions about the balance of power between national and county governments, more than a decade after devolution was introduced. Nairobi, as both a county and the seat of national government, often finds itself at the centre of these tensions.
Political analysts observe that cooperation agreements are not new, but they frequently spark controversy when clarity is lacking. In Sakaja’s case, the scrutiny reflects heightened sensitivity among senators who view themselves as protectors of devolution.
Despite the pushback, Sakaja insisted that the agreement should be judged by its outcomes rather than suspicion. He pointed to ongoing projects in road rehabilitation, market upgrades, and health facility improvements as evidence that collaboration is already bearing fruit.
Residents interviewed across the city expressed mixed reactions. Some welcomed any initiative that promises improved services, citing persistent challenges in waste management, traffic congestion, and healthcare access. Others echoed senators’ concerns, calling for greater transparency and public participation in major decisions affecting the county.
As the Senate continues its review, Sakaja appears determined to defend the pact while reaffirming his commitment to devolution. He has pledged to provide all necessary documentation and to engage lawmakers constructively.
Ultimately, the unfolding debate highlights a delicate balancing act: ensuring that cooperation enhances efficiency without compromising constitutional principles. For Nairobi’s leadership, the task now is to demonstrate that partnership can coexist with accountability and that the city’s interests remain firmly safeguarded.
