Speaking during an interview on Obina TV on Monday, February 23, 2026, the Safina Party Secretary General claimed that the deal, which allows the national government to take charge of several key county functions, portrays Sakaja as incapable of delivering on his mandate.
“Sakaja has made his dimmed star even dimmer,” Simiyu said, maintaining that the agreement could be interpreted by voters as an admission of failure.
The cooperation pact, estimated at Ksh80 billion, will see the national government step in to manage critical services including water and sanitation, roads and garbage collection in Nairobi.
Critics argue that these are core devolved functions that should remain under county administration.
Simiyu contended that by entering into the arrangement, Sakaja risks being perceived as relinquishing responsibilities entrusted to him by Nairobi residents during the 2022 General Election.
Simiyu contended that by entering into the arrangement, Sakaja risks being perceived as relinquishing responsibilities entrusted to him by Nairobi residents during the 2022 General Election.
According to him, the agreement could be viewed as a vote of no confidence in the county government’s ability to deliver services effectively.
However, Sakaja has firmly defended the move, dismissing claims that he has ceded any constitutional mandate.
However, Sakaja has firmly defended the move, dismissing claims that he has ceded any constitutional mandate.
The governor described the agreement as a partnership rather than a transfer of functions, insisting it is designed to enhance service delivery for city residents.
Citing Article 187 of the Constitution, Sakaja said the transfer of functions between levels of government is clearly provided for under the law.
Citing Article 187 of the Constitution, Sakaja said the transfer of functions between levels of government is clearly provided for under the law.
He further argued that, if anything, there have been instances where functions have moved from the national government to the county.
He pointed to the Dishi na County school feeding programme as an example, noting that it was initially handled by the national government before being implemented by the county administration through an intergovernmental agreement.
“As I said in the State of the County address, transfer of functions is not something we are going to do. I swore fidelity to the Constitution and to the mandate given to me by Nairobians. The only way to cede such powers would be through a referendum,” Sakaja stated.
The debate over the cooperation deal continues to spark mixed reactions, with political observers closely watching how it may influence Nairobi’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
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