President William Ruto has issued an order for the establishment of the Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit in a bid to strengthen safety and security measures within the capital city.

Speaking during the national government and the Nairobi County pact at State House, Nairobi, on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, Ruto issued a sixty-day notice to the Ministry of Interior.

Ruto directed the Interior Cabinet Secretary to prepare and present a framework for a dedicated Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit to work hand in hand with Nairobi County security.

“I direct the Interior Cabinet Secretary to prepare and present, within 60 days, a framework for a dedicated Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit to work hand in hand with Nairobi County security,” Ruto stated.

According to the Head of State, the move is expected to ensure a safe Nairobi for not just citizens but also visitors, investors, and businesses.

“We must make Nairobi safe for citizens, visitors, investors, and businesses,” he added.

Clarity on transfer of operations

At the same time, Ruto 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.

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.