President William Ruto addresses Nairobi county assembly /HANDOUTPresident William Ruto on Thursday etched his name into Kenya’s devolution history books after becoming the first sitting head of state to formally address a county assembly since the advent of devolved governance in 2013. His address of the Nairobi City County Assembly was termed more than ceremonial. “Today marks 13 years after the birth of devolution under the constitution of Kenya, I stand before you as the first president and head of state to address the county assembly, ” Ruto said in a packed chamber at City Hall, Nairobi. Yet relations between national and county governments have often been marked by turf wars, funding disputes and political rivalry. On roads, Ruto cited a 247-kilometre urban upgrade programme, with 63 kilometres already under construction, alongside drainage works in flood-prone areas.

Source: The Star April 09, 2026 22:35 UTC