Sifuna Slams Sh80 Billion Nairobi Cooperation Deal
News Updated: 18 February 2026 14:23 EAT
Nairobi senetor Hon. Edwin Sifuna
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has raised concerns over the Sh80 billion cooperation agreement signed between the national government and Nairobi County, calling it unconstitutional and a threat to county autonomy. He said the deal was signed without public participation and that his office, as Nairobi’s senator, was not consulted.
Sifuna warned that the steering committee overseeing the agreement is dominated by national government appointees, potentially undermining Governor Johnson Sakaja’s authority. He argued that the setup could replicate past challenges seen under the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) model.
The senator questioned the financial rationale behind the Sh80 billion package, noting that state agencies already owe Nairobi more than Sh100 billion in unpaid rates and obligations. He suggested clearing existing debts should take priority over introducing new funding arrangements.
Sifuna highlighted the risk of reduced oversight by the County Assembly, Senate, and Auditor-General, pointing out that accountability mechanisms could be weakened under the current framework.
He demanded the agreement be revoked or suspended pending a full legal review and pledged to pursue court action if the issues were not addressed. The senator stressed that constitutional safeguards must guide any cooperation between national and county governments.
President William Ruto and Governor Sakaja defended the pact, describing it as a lawful framework intended to unlock funding and improve services in sectors such as roads, water, waste management, and street lighting.
Supporters say the deal strengthens collaboration between the two levels of government to address Nairobi’s infrastructure and service delivery challenges while maintaining the county’s operational autonomy.
Critics, however, including Sifuna, maintain that without proper checks, the arrangement could concentrate power in national government hands and sideline county authorities, raising concerns over legality and transparency.
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FELIX MAKONA
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