City MPs Back Ruto-Sakaja Pact to Drive Urban Renewal
In a decisive display of political unity, a bipartisan group of Nairobi Members of Parliament has officially endorsed the Sh80 billion cooperation agreement between President William Ruto and Governor Johnson Sakaja. Led by Ruaraka MP T.J. Kajwang and supported by high-profile figures including Esther Passaris (Woman Rep), Felix Odiwuor (Lang’ata), and Peter Orero (Kibra), the legislators hailed the deal as a critical intervention for a city whose infrastructure has long been strained. The leaders emphasized that the pact is firmly anchored in Article 189 of the Constitution, providing a structured legal mechanism for the national government to support the capital without stripping the county of its devolved mandates.
The endorsement serves as a major blow to a faction of MCAs who had been quietly mobilizing for an impeachment motion against Governor Sakaja. The MPs, joined by local leaders like Minority Leader Anthony Kiragu, dismissed the ouster rumors as “political theatrics” designed to create instability. They argued that any attempt to remove the Governor at this juncture would jeopardize the Sh80 billion funding and stall life-changing projects like the Dishi na County school feeding program. By backing the deal, the legislators have effectively created a political firewall, signaling that they prioritize service delivery and institutional stability over partisan maneuvering.
The multi-billion shilling investment targets several high-impact sectors designed to transform Nairobi into a world-class regional hub. For roads and urban mobility, Sh8.7 billion has been earmarked to complete stalled projects and launch a 59km road package under Phase Two starting in April. Water and sanitation will receive a massive boost with Sh15 billion for long-term sewer expansion and Sh2.1 billion to upgrade the Ng’ethu Treatment Plant, which currently suffers from significant daily water losses. Additionally, Sh3.7 billion is dedicated to modernizing street lighting with 40,000 new solar-powered points to enhance urban security.
To address concerns of a potential “takeover” similar to the previous Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) era, the MPs clarified that this framework does not involve a transfer of functions. Unlike the 2020 arrangement, the current deal establishes an Implementation Committee chaired by Governor Sakaja himself, ensuring the county maintains leadership over the projects. The legislators assured residents that all funds would be subject to strict oversight by Parliament and the Auditor-General, following established public finance regulations. This cooperative model is presented as a practical solution to Nairobi’s unique status as a diplomatic and commercial hub that requires more resources than a standard county budget allows.
For the residents of Nairobi, the deal promises immediate relief from chronic issues like flooding, sanitation crises, and insecurity. For the political class, the “Ruto-Sakaja Pact” represents a pragmatic ceasefire, shifting the focus from divisive impeachment politics to the tangible transformation of the metropolis. As the agreement enters a 14-day public participation window, the consensus among city leaders is clear: the opportunity to modernize Nairobi and provide dignified services to its 4.4 million residents outweighs the appetite for political stunts.