President Ruto Addresses Transfer of Nairobi Responsibilities to National Govt

President William Ruto has sought to clarify the ongoing transfer of functions in Nairobi, stressing that the move does not dilute the county government’s authority but aims to bolster national support for the capital.

“I have no interest in running the city of Nairobi. My hands are full,” Ruto told reporters, asserting that the city’s governor and team remain the primary custodians of Nairobi.

“The governor and his team must defend the city of Nairobi. But I have an obligation, as the President of Kenya, to assist the city of Nairobi, for all the reasons that I have stated,” he added.

The President stated that the Nairobi City County Government retains its legal mandate.

“What is being enhanced is structured national government support, where capital city performance affects the entire Republic,” he said, underlining the national importance of a well-functioning capital.

Areas of Focus for National Support

As per Ruto, the cooperation agreement between the national and county governments will cover four key areas: water and sewerage services, roads, bridges and drainage, housing and other related infrastructure such as street lighting, as well as solid waste management and the regeneration of the Nairobi River.

Regarding street lighting, Ruto pointed out a pressing need for infrastructure.

“Nairobi has 70,000 lighting points, but only 20,000 are working. A city like Nairobi needs to be completely neat, completely safe, and completely functional,” Ruto said.

To this end, the national government will provide Ksh 3.7 billion for upgrading and increasing street lighting.

This includes the completion of 10,000 lighting points and the installation of a further 40,000 lighting points, with a gradual shift to solar power to lower electricity bills.

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Road Projects and Revenue Generation

The President also directed that future road construction within Nairobi will integrate lighting from the design phase.

“Going forward, construction of new roads will now include lighting by design. There will be no road constructed now in the city without it,” he said.

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Additionally, lighting points will be commercialized, allowing advertising revenue to support ongoing maintenance.

Ruto concluded by noting that these measures will extend across the city’s nine major informal settlements, aiming to enhance safety, functionality, and quality of life for Nairobi residents.

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Aerial view of Nairobi City. PHOTO/A