President William Ruto addresses Nairobi residents during a recent visit.
President William Ruto has justified the collaboration between the central government and Johnson Sakaja’s local administration, despite a new court case filed by Kenyan citizens questioning the agreement’s legality.
Speaking on Wednesday during a tour of Nairobi River restoration projects, the President stated that the Sh80 billion partnership is designed specifically to enhance service delivery and improve living standards in the city.
The legal action, submitted to the High Court and deemed urgent, requests the suspension of the agreement’s implementation, with plaintiffs contending it could weaken devolution and move county responsibilities to the national government without constitutional authorization.
However, Ruto rejected these assertions, stating: “I already have sufficient responsibilities managing the National Government. My focus is on meeting the expectations of the people in this city.”
He affirmed that no county functions had been ceded, arguing that the cooperative arrangement would instead expedite development initiatives.
The President made these comments while assessing the progress of the Nairobi River cleanup, including the construction of two 27-kilometer sewer lines on both sides of the river corridor.
“It is unacceptable for millions of residents in this city to continue living in poor conditions. That is why we have allocated substantial resources to restore this river,” he remarked.
He noted that the program is already generating employment opportunities, with approximately 45,000 young people participating in the ClimateWorx Mtaani initiative.
The inspection commenced at Lucky Summer in Ruaraka Constituency, where he examined sewer line construction activities.
He announced that construction of 44 bridges along the 27-kilometer stretch would commence shortly.
Ruto also visited the Ngomongo Quarry dumpsite, assuring vendors and young people earning their livelihoods there would not be removed due to the cleanup initiative.
“I want to guarantee all of you who depend on this dumpsite for income that you will not lose your means of sustenance. On the contrary, we will improve it,” he stated.
The President connected the river project to broader urban renewal initiatives, including the construction of 110,000 affordable housing units in Nairobi, road improvements, and electricity connections.
He mentioned that Sh1.5 billion has been allocated for transformers and final-stage power connections in informal areas, while Sh13 billion will finance the construction of 200 kilometers of roads throughout city districts.
Additional plans include the development of 16 modern markets, featuring a Sh5 billion Gikomba Market.
Governor Sakaja supported the national-county cooperation, explaining it would free up resources to develop Nairobi into a contemporary urban center.
“You chose me as your governor, and I am committed to taking all necessary measures to elevate standards. My previous annual budget was Sh40 billion, which will now increase more than twofold,” he remarked.
Speaking to residents at Dandora Bridge, Ruto confirmed that individuals residing along the river corridor would not be forcibly relocated without alternative accommodation, and that schools, community centers, libraries, and recreational facilities would be constructed alongside the restoration efforts.