President William Ruto has clarified that the national government is not taking over the management of Nairobi, insisting that the county administration remains fully in charge of running the capital. Speaking during a function on Tuesday, Ruto dismissed claims that recent engagements between the national government and Nairobi County amount to a transfer of functions. “For the avoidance of doubt, I have no interest in running the city; my hands are already full. The Governor and his team must continue to run the city,” Ruto stated. Last week, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja dismissed claims that he has transferred county functions to the National Government, describing the reports as a “dream.”Sakaja reiterated his commitment to protecting devolution.

Source: The Star February 17, 2026 15:32 UTC