NAIROBI, kenya — President William Ruto is set to address the Nairobi City County Assembly in April, marking the first time a sitting head of state will formally speak to a county assembly since the introduction of devolution.
The President is expected to deliver the address on Thursday, April 9, following an invitation from Members of County Assembly (MCAs), according to his Chief of Staff Felix Koskei.
The session is scheduled for 2:30 pm at the Assembly Chambers at City Hall, Nairobi.
In a letter addressed to Speaker Ken Ngondi, the Office of the President confirmed acceptance of the invitation and requested a brief outlining key issues for discussion.
“I refer 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,” read part of the correspondence.
“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.”
The address will take place two days after the assembly reconvenes from its Easter recess, setting the stage for what observers say could shape relations between the national government and the county.
The planned speech comes nearly two months after the signing of the National Government–Nairobi County Cooperation Pact at State House, an agreement that has sparked debate over the operational autonomy of the devolved unit.
Supporters of the framework argue it will enhance coordination and accelerate service delivery in the capital, while critics claim it risks centralising control of county functions.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has defended the cooperation agreement, saying it is designed to improve planning and eliminate duplication between national and county agencies.
“The agreement establishes a unified framework for planning and implementation, reducing fragmentation and duplication across agencies. It ensures both levels of government work in a synchronised manner to deliver urban services efficiently,” he said.
According to government officials, the programme commits approximately Sh80 billion toward urban transformation projects, including infrastructure upgrades, transport systems, and service delivery improvements across the city.
Since devolution was introduced under the 2010 Constitution, no sitting or retired president has addressed any of Kenya’s 47 county assemblies, making the planned appearance unprecedented.
