Senators have intensified scrutiny of the cooperation agreement recently signed between the national government and Johnson Sakaja, raising serious constitutional questions about whether it respects the devolution framework in the 2010 Constitution.

The Nairobi Governor was appearing in the Senate devolution and intergovernmental relations committee on Thursday, February 26, 2026, regarding the management of key services of Nairobi County after the Ksh80 billion corporation agreement with the national government.

In his submissions, Governor Sakaja said that the focus of the deal with the national government remains on improving services, strengthening governance, and ensuring that Nairobi continues to function effectively for all residents.

“I have appeared before this committee in good faith and with full respect for the oversight role that you exercise over county governments.

“My administration remains committed to transparency, accountability, and service delivery to the people of Nairobi. Every decision that we have made has been guided by the law and by the best interests of Nairobi residents. We are prepared to provide any clarification that this committee requires, and we remain committed to working within the framework of the Constitution,” Sakaja said.

Sifuna’s query

While the governor insisted that the deal was guided by the law, his sentiments were quickly refuted by the Nairobi senator, who informed the governor that it was the mandate of the committee to see accountability and misuse of public resources and that any issues that the citizens raised are valid and need a clear response by the people in power.

“Governor, this committee exercises oversight over county governments and their operations. When questions arise regarding the conduct of your administration, it is only proper that you appear before us to provide clarity,” Sakaja remarked.

According to Sifuna, leadership is a responsibility, and he accentuates the constitutional obligation of oversight organs to question and interrogate government officials. He further claimed that transparency was not a choice but rather a mandate, especially when it comes to trust and service delivery by the government to the people.

“You need to know that Nairobi is not a private place. Nairobi belongs to the people of Kenya, and the leadership entrusted to you is a public trust.

“When residents raise concerns about governance, about service delivery, or about the use of public resources, those concerns must be addressed transparently and comprehensively. This committee is not acting outside its mandate. We are acting within the Constitution to ensure that accountability is upheld,” Sifuna added.

Sifuna told the governor that he had the obligation to respond to the issues raised and to assure this committee and the people of Nairobi that your administration is operating within the law.

Committee’s resolution

The Senate committee on devolution and intergovernmental relations ended the heated debate and questions of accountability by telling the governor to follow the law before the deal with the Nairobi County government is fully carried out. The committee also told the governor to make sure that the public participation planned to get people’s opinions is done in a legal way.