President William Ruto has clarified that there is no transfer of functions happening between Nairobi County and the national government, stating that he has no interest in running the city.

Ruto made his remarks during the national government and the Nairobi County pact at State House, Nairobi, on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

The Head of State maintained that Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja will still run the city together with the team.

“Let me repeat, there is no transfer of functions happening. For the avoidance of doubt, I have no interest in running the city of Nairobi. My hands are full. The governor and his team must run the city of Nairobi,” Ruto stated.

Likewise, Ruto noted that his obligation as the President is to assist the city and that the Nairobi City County Government will still retain its legal mandate.

“But I have an obligation as the president of Kenya to assist the city of Nairobi for all the reasons that I have stated. The Nairobi City County Government retains its legal mandate,” he added.

According to Ruto, what is being enhanced is structured national government support, where Nairobi city’s performance affects the entire republic; hence, the cooperation agreement focuses on four key work streams.

On his part, the key work streams include water and sewerage, roads, bridges and drainage, housing and related infrastructure development, including lighting, as well as solid waste management and Nairobi River’s regeneration.

Sifuna’s remarks on Nairobi City

Ruto’s clarification came just moments after the Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna had expressed surprise over a planned signing ceremony at State House, which will formalise a cooperation agreement between the National Government and Nairobi City County Government.

Taking to X on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, the senator questioned the move and stressed the need to follow constitutional procedures.

“The Governor of Nairobi assured us he wasn’t transferring any functions to the National Government. I’m surprised to see a scheduled ‘signing ceremony’ at State House this afternoon,” Sifuna posted.

“As we await to see the actual thing, I remind @SakajaJohnson to be mindful of the provisions of the Constitution and the need for involvement of the electorate and the leadership of Nairobi prior to making such decisions. Any unconstitutional clawback to devolution shall be strenuously resisted. A comprehensive statement shall follow.”