Sifuna Criticises Ruto–Sakaja Deal, Proposes Four Alternative Solutions
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has strongly criticised the cooperation agreement signed between the national government and Nairobi County, saying the deal raises serious legal and governance concerns that Kenyans should not ignore.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, February 18, Sifuna questioned the process that led to the signing of the agreement between William Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.
According to the senator, the agreement was signed without first involving members of the public, which he says is a clear violation of the Constitution.
He argued that any major decision affecting the management of a county must undergo proper public participation before it is formalised.
Sifuna claimed that the cooperation pact appears to be more of a takeover than a partnership. In his view, the structure of the agreement gives the national government excessive control over Nairobi’s affairs.
He pointed out that the steering committee formed to oversee the implementation of the deal is dominated by officials appointed by the national government. Out of the 12 members of the committee, two-thirds are national government representatives.
Because of this imbalance, Sifuna argued that Governor Sakaja would be placed in a weaker position, effectively playing a subordinate role to senior national government officials, including the Prime Cabinet Secretary. “From the structure of this agreement, the Governor will appear to be serving under the national government.
In practical terms, it feels like he is being reduced to a deputy rather than being the elected head of the county,” Sifuna said. He insisted that what has been presented as cooperation looks more like a transfer of authority.
The senator further revealed that his office was not consulted or involved in the discussions leading to the agreement.
He expressed concern that even the document itself acknowledges that no public participation was conducted before it was signed. According to him, this admission alone makes the process unconstitutional and deeply flawed.
Sifuna also criticised the move to conduct public participation after the agreement had already been signed. He described this as backward and illegal, saying public input should shape decisions before they are finalised, not after.
Additionally, he noted that the 14-day window given for the public to raise concerns is too short for an issue of such importance, especially one that could affect the governance and financial management of the capital city.
Beyond the legal questions, Sifuna warned of possible accountability problems in the future. He said the arrangement could create confusion when it comes to financial oversight and auditing.
For instance, if the Auditor-General were to investigate issues arising from projects implemented under the agreement, it might be unclear whether responsibility lies with the county government or the national government.
Such uncertainty, he argued, could weaken transparency and make it difficult to hold the right officials accountable.
The senator’s remarks came shortly after President Ruto defended the cooperation deal, dismissing claims that it amounts to a takeover of Nairobi County functions.
During the signing ceremony, the President said he has no intention of running the city and that his focus remains on national responsibilities. He emphasised that Governor Sakaja and his team will continue to manage Nairobi.
President Ruto explained that the agreement is meant to improve coordination and service delivery in the capital.
The cooperation will focus on four key areas: water and sewerage services, construction and rehabilitation of roads, bridges and drainage systems, housing and infrastructure development, and solid waste management including the regeneration of the Nairobi River.
According to the President, these sectors require close collaboration between the two levels of government to ensure Nairobi functions efficiently as the country’s capital.
However, Sifuna remains unconvinced. He argued that the agreement will not solve Nairobi’s problems and instead risks undermining devolution.
In his view, there are better and more lawful ways to strengthen the county government without appearing to centralise power.
As alternatives, Sifuna proposed four key measures. First, he called for the immediate release of all funds owed to Nairobi County by national government institutions. He said delayed payments have weakened the county’s ability to deliver essential services.
Second, he urged the full transfer of devolved functions to the county government, as had previously been agreed during discussions under former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. According to Sifuna, strengthening devolution rather than rolling it back is the right approach.
Third, he demanded that the National Treasury release county allocations on time, specifically by the 15th of every month as required by law. Regular and predictable funding, he said, would allow the county to plan and implement projects more effectively.
Finally, he stressed that respecting constitutional processes and empowering county institutions would improve governance without creating confusion over authority and responsibility.
Sifuna concluded by warning that unless these issues are addressed, the cooperation agreement could weaken Nairobi’s autonomy and blur the lines between national and county governments. He maintained that true cooperation should enhance devolution, not appear to replace it.
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