Sakaja: Transfer of Nairobi functions is just a dream

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja speaking during the State of the County Address at the Nairobi County Assembly on February 11, 2026/HANDOUT

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has dismissed claims that he has transferred county functions to the National Government, describing the reports as a “dream.”

Speaking during the State of the County Address at the Nairobi County Assembly on Wednesday, Sakaja reiterated his commitment to protecting devolution.

“Members, I honour the mandate given to me by the people of Nairobi. They entrusted me with constitutional powers to transform this city, and I will not betray that trust,” he told the MCAs.

In 2020, Sakaja stated that Nairobi experienced a misadventure that resulted in Sh16 billion in pending bills.

“The functions bestowed upon the county of Nairobi by the Constitution shall remain the functions of the county. We shall not transfer any county functions. However, collaboration with the National Government will continue. For those who think otherwise, they are free to look for another county and another governor, not Sakaja Johnson,” he said.

The governor confirmed he has an agreement with President William Ruto to have the National Government support some county projects and functions, but stressed that this does not constitute a transfer of authority.

“Nairobi is not just a county but a capital city. Collaboration with the National Government is inevitable and encouraged. But, in the words of the former Prime Minister and father of devolution, Raila Odinga, we must protect devolution, the greatest gift given to the people of Kenya by our Constitution,” he said.

“We are pursuing procedures under the Urban Areas and Cities Act to enhance infrastructure support. But Nairobi will continue to be governed as a county government under the law. Those who have been hoping that the misadventure under NMS will happen again in Nairobi should look for another county and find another governor. This Governor, Johnson Sakaja, shall never go in that direction,” he added.

During its tenure, NMS oversaw the rehabilitation of several major roads, installation of new streetlights, refurbishment of health centres, and expansion of intensive care capacity during the Covid-19 pandemic.

It also undertook market upgrades and worked on decongesting parts of the city. Supporters credited it with restoring a measure of order and accelerating stalled infrastructure projects.

NMS operated until the 2022 general election period, after which the transferred functions were gradually reverted to the Nairobi County Government under the new administration.