NAIROBI, Kenya — Members of the Nairobi City County Assembly on Tuesday proposed sweeping amendments to the Sh80 billion cooperation agreement between the National Government and Nairobi City County, citing the need for transparency, accountability, and equitable development across all 85 wards.
The proposals are contained in a report tabled by an ad hoc committee reviewing the agreement signed on February 17, 2026. The deal aims to align national and county efforts in roads, markets, drainage, garbage collection, street lighting, water, sanitation, and housing infrastructure.
Under the arrangement, the National Government will inject Sh80 billion to strengthen service delivery. However, MCAs want clear safeguards before approval.
The committee recommended that projects distinctly outline whether they fall under national or county functions to avoid duplication and jurisdictional disputes. Where joint execution is required, written protocols must define each party’s roles and responsibilities.
It also directed the Steering Committee to submit, within 30 days, a detailed list of all projects, including descriptions, budgets, funding sources, timelines, and implementing agencies to enhance legislative oversight.
“All projects undertaken, whether independently or jointly pursuant to the Cooperation Agreement, shall upon completion or upon termination of the Agreement, be formally handed over to the Nairobi City County Government,” the report states.
The handover must include documentation, approvals, warranties, and operational manuals.
MCAs further insisted that county technical officers—engineers, planners, and quantity surveyors—be involved in all projects to ensure compliance with county standards and knowledge transfer.
They added that prior commitments by the National Government under devolved functions must align with the Constitution.
Minority Leader Antony Kiragu said public consultations revealed widespread concerns, particularly in health services. “We were not able to cover everything the residents said. From what we heard, we still have a long journey ahead,” he noted.
Minority Whip Mark Mugambi praised the initiative but tied its success to accountability. “Our re-election as Nairobi leaders is pegged on the actualisation of all the wishlist captured in this document,” he said.
Former Mayor and Baba Dogo MCA Godfrey Majiwa described the deal as an opportunity for historically neglected wards. Karurua MCA Fiu ni Fiu urged equitable distribution of projects, saying Western Nairobi has lagged despite hosting key international offices.
Majority Leader Peter Imwatok clarified that funds would not be transferred directly to the county. “The National Government is not transferring Sh80 billion directly to the office of the County Government. Funds will be channelled through line ministries to prevent mismanagement,” he said.
Nominated MCA Nasra Nanda emphasised adherence to due process even as development accelerates.
The Steering Committee will be chaired by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, with Governor Johnson Sakaja serving as vice chair. The Implementation Committee, led by Sakaja, will drive project execution upon approval.
The ad hoc committee is operating under an 11-day timeline and is expected to present its final report after incorporating public views.
