Public participation begins on Ruto–Sakaja Ksh.80B pact as Nairobi residents weigh in

The public participation forum, convened in accordance with Article 196(1) of the Constitution of Kenya (2010), attracted mixed reactions. While many residents welcomed the pact as a long-overdue intervention to address the city’s persistent challenges, others questioned the timing of the consultation, noting that it followed the signing of the agreement.

The cooperation framework seeks to facilitate joint implementation of key infrastructure projects in the capital, including improvements in water supply, solid waste management, roads, affordable housing, street lighting and transport systems. The agreement is expected to channel an additional Ksh.80 billion into Nairobi to accelerate development and enhance service delivery.

Auma, a resident of Dandora, said that although the initiative has broad support, strict accountability must guide its implementation.

“We have heard that the county will receive an additional Sh80 billion and that many projects will be undertaken. We support it; however, we need to see where the money goes,” she said.

Some participants expressed concern over the sequencing of the process.

“Why is public participation happening after the agreement was signed? It should have been conducted before. Still, if it brings meaningful change to Nairobi, we will embrace it,” said Kariuki, another resident.

Others described the cooperation as timely and necessary. Eunice Njeri from Kawangware termed the agreement long overdue.

“We have waited for cooperation between the two levels of government for a long time. It was overdue. This city must embrace development,” she said.

David Omondi, a motorist operating in the Central Business District, said the agreement signals a potential turning point for the capital.

“This marks the beginning of a transformative journey for Nairobi,” he said.

For traders, the planned construction of modern markets featured prominently in discussions. Maureen Wafula, a hawker in the CBD, expressed optimism that the collaboration would provide structured and dignified trading spaces.

“The plan to construct markets will help us house our goods properly and improve our working conditions,” she said.

Speaking during the forum, Nairobi County Assembly Speaker Ken Ng’ondi, who chairs the 21-member Ad Hoc Committee overseeing the process, underscored the importance of public engagement in strengthening transparency, inclusivity and citizen participation.

“This is a critical step in fast-tracking development. I witnessed the signing of the agreement, and I urge residents to understand its provisions so that we can accelerate service delivery,” he said.

Majority Leader Peter Imwatok described the exercise as a key milestone toward operationalising the agreement.

“This process marks a significant step toward transforming the city and accelerating service delivery,” he said.

Minority Leader Antony Karanja assured residents that the Assembly would uphold constitutional requirements and ensure transparency, emphasising that public participation remains a fundamental right.

Nairobi County Secretary Godfrey Akumali said the cooperation is aimed at elevating the capital to international standards, noting that Nairobi’s status as both Kenya’s capital and a diplomatic hub demands sustained investment and coordinated planning.

The first public hearing was held on Thursday, February 26, 2026, with the Ad Hoc Committee assuring residents that their submissions will inform the final implementation framework of the cooperation pact.