Governor Johnson Sakaja has firmly denied allegations that his administration has surrendered key county functions to the National Government.
Speaking amid mounting public debate, Governor Sakaja dismissed reports suggesting that he had struck a deal with President William Ruto to hand over critical responsibilities such as garbage collection and disposal, public works, and water supply.
The Governor termed the claims as “misleading and politically motivated,” maintaining that Nairobi City County remains fully in charge of its constitutional mandate.
“There is no agreement whatsoever surrendering Nairobi’s core functions to the National Government. Garbage collection, public works, and water services remain county functions as provided for under the Constitution,” Sakaja stated.
The clarification comes in the wake of visible involvement by national government agencies in waste management and infrastructure-related activities within the capital — moves that sparked speculation of a possible takeover.
Critics have questioned why national government entities appear to be undertaking duties traditionally reserved for county governments, particularly waste disposal operations in parts of the city.
However, Sakaja explained that any involvement by the national government is purely collaborative and aimed at enhancing service delivery, not replacing the county’s authority.
“We welcome intergovernmental cooperation where necessary to improve services for Nairobi residents. But let it be clear — this is not a surrender of functions,” he emphasized.The Governor further assured residents that his administration remains committed to restoring order, cleanliness, and efficiency in service delivery, while safeguarding Nairobi’s autonomy as enshrined in the devolved system of governance.
The matter has reignited debate on the boundaries between county and national government roles, especially in the capital city, where service delivery remains under intense public scrutiny.
