President William Ruto is set to sign a joint partnership agreement with Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja to improve service delivery in Kenya’s capital city. The deal aims to restore Nairobi’s long-lost charm by addressing the pressing issues of waste management, poor infrastructure, and insecurity that have plagued the city.
Once fondly called “The Green City in the Sun,” Nairobi’s vibrancy has dimmed under the weight of poor sanitation, traffic chaos, and an upsurge in street crime. Roads are in disrepair, garbage litters public spaces, and the once-proud Central Business District (CBD) is losing its allure as businesses relocate to cleaner, safer areas.
President Ruto’s declaration that “Nairobi cannot continue to be the city in filth” signals his intent to take firm action. The planned collaboration between the national and county governments is reminiscent of the 2020 creation of the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) under former President Uhuru Kenyatta. That initiative, led by Major General Mohammed Badi, temporarily revived some city services but was overshadowed by political wrangles.
Governor Sakaja now faces the difficult task of balancing politics and service delivery. His administration has been rocked by disputes with Members of the County Assembly over budget allocations and bursary funds. However, a new partnership with the national government could offer the much-needed stability and resources to turn things around.
Nairobi remains the heartbeat of Kenya’s economy, contributing over 27% of the national GDP and serving as both the administrative and commercial capital. Ruto’s latest move, therefore, is more than a political maneuver — it’s an attempt to reclaim Nairobi’s status as East Africa’s shining metropolis.
If implemented effectively, the Ruto-Sakaja partnership could breathe new life into the city and restore pride among its millions of residents.
