Opiyo Wandayi defends Ksh80B Ruto-Sakaja deal
By Francis Muli, February 24, 2026Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum Opiyo Wandayi has defended the Ksh80 billion deal signed between Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and President William Ruto.
Speaking on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, Wandayi revealed that the government had already allocated Ksh4 billion for street lighting and the electrification of informal settlements following the signing of the deal.
“Nairobi County is the home of the capital of Kenya so it requires a special focus. As a responsible national government, it is our duty to make necessary interventions so long we are in agreement with Nairobi County. For the first phase, we have Ksh.4B allocated for street lighting and electrification of informal settlements,” Wandayi stated.
This comes moments after Nairobi Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) kicked off public hearings on the deal between the national government and City Hall.
The deal, signed on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, seeks to unlock joint implementation of major infrastructure projects in the capital.
The deal spans key sectors including water, sewerage, roads, housing, transport, street lighting, and waste management.
On Friday, February 20, 2026, the Nairobi County Assembly approved the formation of a 21-member ad hoc committee to scrutinise the 13-page document and conduct public hearings across the city within 11 days.