Public scrutiny of the Sh80 billion cooperation pact between President William Ruto and Governor Johnson Sakaja began on Thursday, as Nairobi residents turned up in large numbers at Charter Hall to have their say on the future of the city.
The forum marked the first formal public hearing on the agreement between the Nairobi County Government and the National Government, setting the stage for debate on how the capital should grow and be managed.
The session, held at the Nairobi County Assembly in line with Article 196(1) of the Constitution of Kenya (2010), brought together residents from different parts of the city.
While many welcomed the planned partnership as a chance to fix long-standing problems, others raised concerns about the process and timing of the consultation.
The agreement is designed to allow the two levels of government to jointly carry out key projects across Nairobi.
Among the areas listed are water supply, garbage collection, road works, affordable housing, street lighting and transport systems. The plan is expected to channel an extra Sh80 billion into the capital to speed up development and improve services.
Residents who spoke at the forum shared both hope and caution.
Auma, a resident of Dandora, said while many support the initiative, accountability must remain paramount.
“We have heard that the county will receive an additional Sh80 billion and that through this money many things will be done and achieved. We support it; however, we need to see where the money goes,” she said.
Some participants questioned why the public was being consulted after the deal had already been signed.
Members of the public during a two-day public participation forum on cooperation agreement entered between Nairobi City County Government and National Government at Charter Hall on February 26, 2026. PHOTO/Radio Generation“Why is the public participation happening after? It would have been done before. But we embrace it if it brings changes to Nairobi,” said Kariuki, another resident.
Others described the pact as overdue and necessary for the city’s growth.
Eunice Njeri from Kawangware welcomed the cooperation, terming it long overdue.
“We had waited for this cooperation between the two levels of government for long. It was long overdue. This city must embrace development,” she said.
For motorists and business operators in the city centre, the agreement carries expectations of smoother operations and better infrastructure.
David Omondi, a motorist operating within the Central Business District, described the agreement as a turning point for the capital.
“This agreement is welcomed because it marks a transformative journey for this capital,” he said.
Traders also expressed optimism, especially over the promise of improved market spaces.
Maureen Wafula, a hawker in the CBD, expressed optimism that the collaboration would provide better working spaces.
“The collaboration has earmarked the construction of markets that will help us traders house our wares and products,” she said.
Leaders overseeing the process said the public forum was a key step in ensuring openness and inclusion.
Ken Ng’ondi, the Speaker of the Nairobi County Assembly and chair of the 21-member Ad Hoc Committee handling the matter, said citizen engagement strengthens transparency and allows residents to take part in decisions that affect them.
“This is the best thing for our city to fast-track development. I witnessed the signing, and I urge members of the public to understand it so that we can accelerate delivery of services,” he said.
Majority Leader Peter Imwatok noted that the exercise clears the way for rolling out the projects under the pact.
“This process marks a significant step towards the onset of city transformation and accelerates service delivery,” he said.
Minority Leader Antony Karanja assured residents that the process would remain open and in line with the Constitution, stressing that public participation is a right that must be upheld.
Nairobi County Secretary Godfrey Akumali said the partnership aims to raise the capital’s profile and improve its standards.
“Nairobi County is not only the capital of Kenya but also a diplomatic city that needs to be elevated to international standards. This cooperation between the National Government and the County Government should have been enacted years ago to accelerate development projects,” he said.
The second public hearing will be held on February 26, 2026, across all 85 wards.
Members of the Ad Hoc Committee told residents that all views collected during the exercise will inform the final framework for implementing the Sh80 billion cooperation agreement.
