Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has clarified President William Ruto’s remarks on the capital’s cleanup and lighting initiative, amid public concern that the national government might be encroaching on county functions.
Sakaja explained that the project, which includes a citywide waste management and lighting programme, is a collaborative effort involving both levels of government and the private sector. “Partnering with the private sector for development is encouraged. After cleaning the city and collecting garbage taken to Dandora, we are partnering with a Chinese company to produce 45 megawatts of power,” the governor said.
He added that the county had already reached an agreement with the Ministry of Energy on a power sale arrangement.
On Sunday, President Ruto announced that the national government and Nairobi County had agreed on four key development areas where state funds will be channelled. The arrangement mirrors the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) partnership introduced in 2020.
Sakaja noted that the collaboration model would extend beyond waste management to include housing, infrastructure, and lighting. “Nairobi is home to the Executive, Judiciary, and Legislature. It’s critical we work together. Wananchi just want services delivered,” he said.
Addressing the issue of street lighting, the governor revealed that his administration is in talks with the Ministry of Energy, Kenya Power, and EPRA to illuminate poorly lit areas. He proposed that a portion of the rural electrification levy currently contributing about Ksh8 billion monthly from Nairobi residents be redirected to enhance urban lighting.
“If we redirect that portion, we can make the city brighter, safer, and extend business hours,” Sakaja stated.
President Ruto has emphasized that transforming Nairobi is key to achieving Kenya’s long-term development goals. One of the flagship initiatives under his administration is the Nairobi River cleanup, expected to conclude by January 2027, with Ksh40 billion allocated mostly for a modern sewerage system to make Nairobi a cleaner, more modern city.
