Sifuna Threatens Court Action Over Nairobi Cooperation Deal, Calls It an Assault on Devolution

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has demanded the immediate cancellation of the cooperation agreement between the national government and Nairobi County, describing it as unconstitutional, flawed, and a direct attack on devolution.

Speaking during a press briefing in Nairobi, Sifuna accused President William Ruto’s administration of attempting to reintroduce a governance model similar to the defunct Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) under a different name.

“I am demanding that this agreement be revoked in its entirety,” Sifuna said. “Failing which, I will challenge its legality. In fact, the matter will be brought to the Senate.”

The senator criticized the proposed 12-member steering committee that will oversee the implementation of the deal, noting that two-thirds of its members are appointed by the national government.

“From its very structure, this arrangement subordinates the county government to the national executive,” he said, warning that the move would reduce Governor Johnson Sakaja to a ceremonial figure. “This is not cooperation. It is a takeover.”

Sifuna drew parallels between the new arrangement and the NMS, which previously took over several county functions. He reminded the public that NMS left behind billions of shillings in pending bills, which the Senate had directed should be settled by State House since the Comptroller of State House was the accounting officer.

“Thousands of contractors and workers remain unpaid. Their livelihoods are in peril,” he said.

The senator also questioned the timing and motive behind the agreement, suggesting it was politically driven.

“For 14 years, he has been at the helm of political leadership in this country — first as Deputy President from 2013 and now as President,” Sifuna said. “One wonders why he has suddenly become aware of the Urban Areas and Cities Act less than 18 months before the 2027 election.”

Sifuna’s remarks signal a looming political and legal confrontation over the management of Nairobi, as concerns grow about the national government’s expanding influence over county affairs.