The Law Society of Kenya has hinted that the Ksh80 billion framework of cooperation agreement between Nairobi County and the National Government, which was signed between Governor Johnson Sakaja and President William Ruto, could lead to a replica of the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS).

Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on the night of Tuesday, February 17, 2026, LSK President Faith Odhiambo said that the county government of Nairobi has no reason to enter into a collaboration with the national government, owing to the fact that the city collects enough revenue to run its operations sustainably.

She has added that as much as the two levels of government have disputed the collaboration as a comeback of the NMS, the turnout of events could see a return of roles similar to that of NMS.

“Even the realisation that Nairobi County still collects the highest amount, the question is, is the county trying to say they are not able to sustainably run their functions, and hence they need the government’s support? We might see in word they will say it is not NMS, but in action it could turn out to be,” Faith Odhiambo said.

On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja signed a cooperation agreement with President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi, that has drawn scrutiny, critics warning that the deal could undermine county autonomy and devolution as entrenched in the Constitution.

Sakaja defends deal with Ruto

In a move to defend the pact, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja outlined the framework of the cooperation agreement between Nairobi County and the national government, emphasising that it represents collaboration rather than a transfer of functions.

Speaking during the signing ceremony at State House on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, the governor defended the partnership, arguing that Nairobi’s equitable share and own-source revenue are insufficient to meet the demands of a growing capital city.

Sakaja explained that the partnership is anchored on Section 6 of the Urban Areas and Cities Act, which recognises Nairobi’s unique status beyond being just one of 47 counties.

Entry And Exit of NMS in Nairobi

On February 25, 2020, retired President Uhuru Kenyatta and the then-Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko signed a Deed of Transfer at State House under Article 187 of the Constitution, handing over key city services from Nairobi City County to the national government.

The agreement transferred four core functions, including health services, transport services, public works and utilities and planning and development services, to the national government, paving the way for the creation of the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) office under the Office of the President.

The transfer was intended be a temporary arrangement for 24 months, after which many of the functions were gradually handed back to the county government following the 2022 general election. A formal handover saw the city reclaim those functions, ending the NMS era and restoring responsibility for health, transport, public works and planning to City Hall.

In a turn of events, the two governments have signed a cooperation agreement at the State House. The pact is designed to improve service delivery in the capital city through joint efforts.

The players, however has disputed this to be a return of the NMS but not a transfer of authority.