Sifuna blasts Governor Sakaja over County pact with national government
The deal was signed on February 17, 2026, at State House between President William Ruto alongside Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Governor Sakaja.
It establishes a framework for collaboration on areas such as roads, street lighting, solid waste management, security, and other infrastructure projects.
Reports indicate the national government will provide significant funding support, up to KSh 80 billion over time, to help improve service delivery in Nairobi, while emphasizing that no county functions are being formally transferred, and devolution remains intact.
However, Sifuna blasted the move, expressing surprise and concern over the signing ceremony.
He pointed out that Sakaja had previously assured the public (including in his State of the County Address) that no county functions would be handed over to the national government, dismissing such claims as "fake news."
Sifuna questioned the lack of prior consultation with Nairobi residents, county leadership, or adequate public participation, as required by the Constitution for significant decisions affecting devolved functions.
In statements and social media posts, Sifuna had warned that any unconstitutional "clawback" on devolution would face strong resistance.
He described the agreement as potentially creating accountability issues (e.g., audit challenges due to overlapping responsibilities and a committee reportedly dominated by national government officials), and suggested it risks undermining county autonomy—drawing parallels to past arrangements like the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) under the previous administration, which Sakaja himself had opposed as a senator.
Sifuna proposed alternative solutions instead of such a pact:
1. Releasing all funds owed to Nairobi County by national government institutions.
2. Fully transferring agreed devolved functions.
3. Ensuring timely disbursement of county funds by the Treasury.
Critics, including some media and observers, have echoed fears that the deal could resemble a subtle takeover or replication of NMS, despite assurances from Sakaja and Ruto that it's purely cooperative and aimed at addressing Nairobi's challenges like garbage collection, roads, and urban services.
This has sparked debate on devolution, with Sifuna positioning himself as a defender of county powers against perceived national overreach.
The agreement is framed by proponents as necessary support for the capital city, but opponents see it as politically motivated and lacking transparency.
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