Nairobi, Kenya- Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has dismissed reports claiming that the Nairobi County government transferred some of its key functions to the national government.
The denial comes after Citizen TV reported on February 10 that Sakaja had allegedly signed an agreement with President William Ruto to hand over responsibilities such as garbage collection, road construction, public works, and water supply.
“Fake news. No functions or roles have been ceded,” Sakaja said, responding to Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who had questioned the legality of the alleged move.
Constitutional Concerns Raised
Senator Sifuna pointed out that any ceding of county functions must comply with constitutional procedures, including approval by the Nairobi County Assembly. “I have seen neither,” Sifuna said, emphasizing that a formal deed of transfer is required.
National and County Collaboration on Waste Management
The reports emerged shortly after President Ruto reiterated plans to work with Sakaja on improving Nairobi’s infrastructure. Speaking on February 8, Ruto highlighted efforts on affordable housing, city cleaning, and markets.
Part of the collaboration includes the phased transfer of the Dandora dumpsite to Ruai, as part of a comprehensive waste management program financed jointly by the national and county governments.
The initiative aims to convert refuse into fertiliser, energy, and other usable products.
“We have agreed to clean the city of Nairobi. Nairobi cannot be the city in the garbage. We have sat down with the governor.
I will get money from the national government so that we can add to that of the county government, so that we can clean the city of Nairobi,” Ruto said.
