Ruto, Sakaja rally Nairobi behind river regeneration drive

President William Ruto on Tuesday defended the National Government–Nairobi County cooperation framework, calling out naysayers and saying the time for politics is not now but a time for work.

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He insisted the capital has not been “handed over” to the National Government, but instead placed on a joint development path aimed at fast-tracking service delivery and infrastructure renewal to match the standards of other major cities.

Speaking during the Climate Works Nairobi River Regeneration Programme in Lucky Summer, the President said the partnership is purely collaborative, with the County Government retaining oversight while the National Government provides support and resources.

“No, Nairobi has been handed over; I have a job to do. What we have done is cooperate so that we can build our city. Development will be overseen by the County Government, with the Governor working together with the MCAs. My role as President is to support them so that Nairobi continues to progress,” Ruto said.

Ruto outlined an ambitious package of urban upgrades under the cooperation plan, including Sh3 billion earmarked for road construction to elevate Nairobi to international standards.

He added that 50,000 floodlights will be installed to boost security, while 44 pedestrian bridges are planned along the Nairobi River to enhance safety and accessibility.

The President noted that over 45,000 young people are already benefiting from regeneration and clean-up programmes tied to the river restoration initiative.

He acknowledged that for decades the river had been synonymous with pollution and neglect, saying new sewer infrastructure and environmental works would permanently transform its outlook.

“Nairobi is the capital city of Kenya; it is the face of the nation. Together we must transform it. For many years it has suffered, but now we are turning a new page,” he said, urging leaders to set aside politics and focus on delivery.

“Politics time will come; for now our part is work, work.”

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja echoed the call for unity, framing the cooperation as a people-first agenda designed to accelerate development projects across the city, while also dismissing claims that he had surrendered his mandate.

“Thank you for giving me the mandate to be your Governor. I have not handed over power; those are rumours. I am cooperating with the President to deliver clean streets, better roads, schools and hospitals. Nairobi is not just a county but Kenya’s capital, so there is nothing wrong with receiving more funding,” Sakaja said earlier in Ngomongo.

He further urged both residents and leaders to support joint efforts between the two levels of government, saying unity was key to unlocking faster development.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi reinforced the message, warning that Nairobi cannot afford to lag behind other global cities undergoing rapid modernisation.

“Our agenda is to take charge and fix Nairobi. We do not want it to be outdone by other cities. Others are transforming their cities; we do not want to be left behind,” Mudavadi said

The Lucky Summer event forms part of a broader environmental and urban renewal campaign centred on restoring the Nairobi River corridor, expanding sewer systems, improving lighting and road networks, and creating employment opportunities for thousands of youths — a multi-sector push leaders say is intended to redefine the capital’s image and competitiveness.