Nairobi Governor, Johnson Sakaja, has disclosed how an additional Sh80 billion development package secured through a cooperation agreement between the Nairobi City County Government and the Government of Kenya will be invested to address key infrastructure challenges in the capital.
The announcement came a day after the governor chaired the first implementation committee meeting under the cooperation framework, bringing together Principal Secretaries and representatives from several ministries, departments and agencies.
The meeting was convened under the newly formed Joint Steering Committee tasked with coordinating and accelerating projects under the Nairobi Rising programme.
According to Sakaja, the agreement unlocks a major investment aimed at tackling long-standing gaps in sewerage, roads, water supply, energy and waste management systems in the city.
The governor said the largest portion of the funding, approximately Sh33 billion, will be directed towards sewerage and sanitation infrastructure, which officials say is critical to improving environmental management and expanding access to sanitation services.
“The investment will fund the construction of two parallel 27-kilometre trunk sewer lines along the Nairobi River corridor, a new sewer treatment plant capable of processing 60,000 cubic litres of wastewater daily, and expanded last-mile sewer connections to households,” Sakaja said.
He added that an additional Sh15 billion will be allocated for long-term sewer expansion projects across Nairobi.
“This will also help address drainage challenges and bring visible change,” the governor explained.
Transport infrastructure will also receive significant funding, with Sh8.7 billion earmarked for roads, bridges and drainage improvements aimed at enhancing mobility and reducing flooding in several parts of the city during heavy rains.
Part of the allocation includes Sh2 billion set aside to fast-track the completion of roads under the Kenya Urban Roads Authority.
Energy and lighting projects are also expected to benefit from the development package, with Sh8.5 billion allocated for power infrastructure.
“Energy and lighting infrastructure will receive Sh8.5 billion, including Sh3.7 billion for the installation of 50,000 new street lights across Nairobi,” Sakaja said.
The governor noted that improved lighting would enhance security and support economic activity at night.
The plan also includes Sh1.5 billion for transformers and last-mile electricity connections to lower electricity costs for low-income households, while Sh3.3 billion will go towards prepaid metering, transformers and lighting projects in informal settlements.
Water supply improvements will receive Sh5.1 billion to help address persistent shortages affecting many neighbourhoods in the capital.
According to the governor, the funds will support upgrades at the Ng’ethu Water Treatment Plant and the development of the Gigiri–Shauri Moyo water evacuation corridor to strengthen distribution across the city.
Solid waste management will also be expanded through a Sh6 billion programme jointly funded by the national government and the county administration.
The agreement also introduces institutional reforms, including plans to establish a Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit expected to be operational within 60 days.
Sakaja said the initiative will accelerate the Nairobi Rising agenda by improving service delivery, modernizing infrastructure and supporting economic growth in the capital.