NAIROBI, Kenya- The National Government has unveiled plans to invest KSh 80 billion in Nairobi, targeting improvements in infrastructure, services, and urban security, in partnership with the Nairobi City County Government.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, President William Ruto described the initiative as a step towards making the capital “more livable, more secure, and more efficient.”
He said the investment would address critical gaps in the city’s services, including street lighting, water and sanitation, roads, waste management, and electricity access in informal settlements.
“Nairobi has about 70,000 street lights, but only 21,000 are fully operational. A city of Nairobi’s stature must be fully lit and safe. That is why we are committing Sh3.7 billion to modernise and expand street lighting, including a transition to solar solutions,” the president said.
He added that advertising on lighting poles would generate revenue to support maintenance.
The programme also targets electricity access for low-income areas, where residents often pay significantly higher rates for illegal connections.
“We will invest Sh1.5 billion in transformers, last-mile connections, and prepaid bulk electricity to reduce costs for families in informal settlements,” Ruto said.
Water and sanitation are also key priorities.
The government will invest in stabilising supply and reducing losses at the Ng’ethu Water Treatment Plant, while expanding sewer networks along the Nairobi River corridor to improve sanitation for decades to come.
On roads, bridges, and drainage, Ruto said the initiative would support both major thoroughfares and local streets, while enhancing mobility and preventing flooding.
In solid waste management, 100 acres have been allocated for Material Recovery Facilities and transfer stations, backed by combined national and county funding.
Security, Ruto emphasised, is non-negotiable.
He directed the Cabinet Secretary for the Interior to prepare a framework for a dedicated Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit within 60 days, ensuring that the city is safe for citizens, visitors, and investors.
“This structured partnership is designed to deliver measurable impact and expand opportunities for all in Nairobi County,” Ruto said.
“It will elevate the city’s stature, making it a first-rank African metropolis worthy of the Republic it serves.”
The Sh80 billion package builds on existing initiatives, including the Nairobi River Regeneration Programme, which has already transformed riverine settlements through housing, sanitation, and environmental restoration while providing employment for thousands of young people.
