Nairobi County has concluded public participation forums on the proposed Nairobi City County Boroughs Administration and Coordination Policy.
The forums, held at Charter Hall in City Hall, brought together county officials, borough managers, sub-county administrators, ward administrators and other stakeholders to discuss the proposed policy.
Representatives of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), the National Construction Authority (NCA), the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), resident associations, Bunge la Mwananchi, civil society organisations and residents from several Nairobi sub-counties attended the forums.
County Executive Committee Member for Boroughs Administration and Personnel S.G. Mwangi said the policy is intended to provide a framework for decentralising county services and improving coordination across Nairobi's sub-counties.
"The Nairobi City County Boroughs Administration and Coordination Policy is vital for structuring decentralised services, streamlining multi-sector coordination, and improving operational efficiency across Nairobi's sub-counties," Mwangi said.
He said public participation was important in developing a governance framework that reflects the priorities of city residents.
County Chief Officer for Boroughs and Sub-County Administration Bernard Muia Kiala said the implementation of the policy would require collaboration among government agencies, partners and the public.
"Achieving institutional alignment and ensuring our external partners and community representatives completely own this policy is the foundation of its eventual success on the ground," he said.
Kiala said the proposal to establish six boroughs followed recommendations made during earlier public consultations.
Technical Committee Chairman Makori said the draft policy seeks to strengthen coordination among boroughs, improve service delivery, enhance citizen participation and support evidence-based planning through improved data management.
He said it also seeks to address delays in service delivery and resource allocation.
Assistant Inspector General and Nairobi City County Liaison Officer Tom Mboya Odero called for closer integration of security functions into borough operations.
He said stronger coordination, disaster preparedness, emergency response mechanisms and clear standard operating procedures would improve communication between county administrative structures and the public.
During the public participation forums, stakeholders raised concerns about the cost implications of the proposed borough system, the proposed nomenclature and the legal framework supporting the reforms.
Responding to the concerns, Advocate Evans Mogire from the Office of the County Attorney said the draft policy had been developed in line with the Constitution and existing legal provisions.
He said all submissions received during the public participation process would undergo legal review before the policy is finalised.
Director of Boroughs and Sub-County Administration Joyce Kyengo and Director of Public Participation Patrick Angasa said feedback received during the forums would be considered in the preparation of the final policy.
