"We know what we are doing": Sakaja praises Ruto after County Assembly address

Governor Johson Sakaja addressing city residents along Wabera Street on April 9, 2026. [GPS]

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja today joined President William Ruto in rallying residents behind the cooperation agreement between Cith Hall and the national government.

Moments after President Ruto made a historic address to the County Assembly, the two addressed crowds along the busy Wabera Street in the CBD.

Sakaja welcomed the President’s speech, terming it a turning point for the capital, and thanked him for backing the agreement that injects an additional Sh80 billion into the city’s development.

The governor emphasised the need to prioritise service delivery over politics, saying the focus now is to work and deliver tangible results for Nairobi residents.

“The people of Nairobi gave me the mandate to serve them, and that is exactly what this means—working with the national government purely to deliver for the people. I have no time for politics; my focus is delivering for Nairobians,” Sakaja said.

He said the cooperation framework marks a historic milestone, coming 13 years after devolution, and dismissed critics opposing the deal.

“Those inciting people along tribal lines or opposing this development framework are beneficiaries of the status quo of an underdeveloped city. They have no place in leadership. Nairobians want development, and that is what we are delivering together with the President,” he said, adding, “In less than six months, the results of this cooperation will be visible for all to see.”

President Ruto, who also addressed the crowd, lauded Sakaja for embracing the partnership, describing the agreement as a foundation for transforming Nairobi into a modern, world-class city comparable to leading global capitals.

“I want to thank Governor Sakaja for agreeing to this cooperation. This agreement will form the foundation for driving Nairobi, our capital city and the face of Kenya, into a modern city like other international cities,” said President Ruto.

Several leaders, including Makadara MP George Aladwa, also voiced their support for the initiative, terming it a critical step toward accelerating development and improving services in the capital.

The Cooperation agreement between the national and county governments is expected to fast-track key infrastructure and service delivery projects, with both leaders expressing confidence that Nairobi’s transformation is now firmly underway.