Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has strongly opposed the proposed Sh80 billion cooperation agreement between the National Government and the Nairobi City County Government, arguing that the deal violates legal and constitutional requirements.
In a statement issued Wednesday, Sifuna said the agreement was signed without public participation and without consultation with his office. He further criticised the plan to conduct public participation after signing, saying the 14-day period set aside for feedback is too short and shows disregard for Nairobi residents.
He also questioned a clause that limits public input to amendments rather than allowing citizens to reject the agreement entirely. According to the senator, this undermines the principle of meaningful public participation.
Sifuna further raised concerns about the composition of the steering committee overseeing the arrangement. He noted that most of its members are drawn from the national government, with Musalia Mudavadi as chair and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja as vice chair.
He argued that the structure effectively places the county government under national control, describing the agreement as a “takeover disguised as a development partnership.”
The senator suggested alternative ways to fund Nairobi’s development, including clearing more than Sh100 billion owed to the county by national government agencies. He also called for full transfer of devolved functions to counties in line with earlier agreements between national leaders.
Additionally, Sifuna proposed dissolving the Kenya Urban Roads Authority and the Kenya Rural Roads Authority so that road construction funds can be channelled directly to the county government.
He warned that if the agreement is not withdrawn, he will pursue legal action and raise the matter in the Senate.
The Sh80 billion package – nearly four times Nairobi’s current annual allocation – is earmarked for key infrastructure projects. These include billions for street lighting upgrades, electricity connectivity, water supply improvements, sewer expansion, and waste management.
However, Governor Sakaja has defended the deal, saying it is necessary to address long-standing challenges facing the capital. He described the agreement as a development partnership rather than a transfer of county functions.
According to Sakaja, the additional funding will help improve roads, boost security through better lighting, strengthen waste collection, and enhance service delivery. He also dismissed claims that the national government will take over revenue collection, insisting it will remain a county responsibility.
The governor noted that Nairobi’s current annual budget of about Sh33 billion is insufficient to support the city’s growing infrastructure and service demands, arguing that the partnership offers a practical solution to accelerate development.
