Gerald Kyalo. (geraldbway).
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has defended the KSh 80 billion cooperation agreement with the national government, citing Section 6 of the Urban Areas and Cities Act, which allows for special focus and co-management of the capital city. Appearing before the Senate's Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations Committee, Sakaja emphasized that the agreement is not a transfer of functions but rather a collaboration to enhance service delivery.
Sakaja argued that Nairobi's current allocation is insufficient to match the demands of a fast-growing capital and that the deal will provide much-needed resources for development projects, including road construction, street lighting, and the Nairobi River Regeneration Programme. He assured senators that oversight mechanisms are in place, with the National Assembly scrutinizing national expenditure and the Senate safeguarding devolved interests.
The agreement has sparked controversy, with critics arguing it undermines county autonomy and creates a de facto transfer of functions without following the required procedures. Sakaja maintained that the deal is constitutionally anchored and aligned with global best practices.
Sakaja argued that Nairobi's current allocation is insufficient to match the demands of a fast-growing capital and that the deal will provide much-needed resources for development projects, including road construction, street lighting, and the Nairobi River Regeneration Programme. He assured senators that oversight mechanisms are in place, with the National Assembly scrutinizing national expenditure and the Senate safeguarding devolved interests.
The agreement has sparked controversy, with critics arguing it undermines county autonomy and creates a de facto transfer of functions without following the required procedures. Sakaja maintained that the deal is constitutionally anchored and aligned with global best practices.
