Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has 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.

“With a population of close to 7 million residents and with the city growing year on year, the equitable share from the division of revenue that provides resources to all the counties, as well as our own source revenue, can never be enough for the demanding needs of a capital city of the stature that we aspire to be,” Sakaja stated.

Two-tier governance structure

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.

“Nairobi is the capital city of Kenya, the city of the national government, host to diplomatic missions, including the only United Nations headquarters in the global south and the centre of commerce and industry of the entire region, requiring a special arrangement,” he said

The governor detailed the implementation framework, which features a two-tier governance structure designed to ensure effective coordination.

“This agreement provides for a two-tier governance structure for its successful implementation. The steering committee which will be chaired by the Prime Cabinet Secretary as the coordinate of national government ministries and agencies deputised by me and comprising cabinet secretaries as well as county staff, will set the overall policy goals and direction,” Sakaja explained.

For day-to-day operations, an implementation committee will handle execution of programs and projects.

“The day-to-day execution of programs and projects will be overseen by the implementation committee, which will be chaired by the governor of Nairobi and will comprise principal secretaries from the national government as well as county executive committee members responsible for corresponding functions,” he added.

Areas of cooperation

Sakaja said the county and national government have already been partnering in several areas, with the agreement now providing a legal framework to solidify these arrangements.

“Already we’ve been partnering in a number of issues such as the Nairobi rivers commission and the regeneration of the river, water provision to the city, the school food feeding program, which has a separate agreement, roads and mobility, markets, housing, among other areas. This agreement solidifies those arrangements, providing a legal framework for additional support, including partnership in security and order,” the governor stated.

The governor was emphatic that the agreement differs fundamentally from the previous Nairobi Metropolitan Services arrangement.

“This is not a transfer of functions as happened during the NMS time which was a misadventure that left this city with a 16 billion shillings pending bills hole and which did not augur well with the true spirit of devolution. It is not a transfer but a collaboration which is encouraged and which holds true regard to the mandate given to both of us by the people of Kenya and the citizens of Nairobi and to the constitution that we swore to abide by,” Sakaja said.

Sakaja also linked the agreement to immediate priorities, including preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations in 2027, and Kenya’s broader vision for urban transformation.

“We’re on the journey to Singapore and Nairobi will not be left behind. This is the capital of Singapore. Excellency, the capital city will remain at the centre of the transformation to first world status,” he stated.