A section of Nairobi Members of Parliament under the banner “Team Nairobi – Broad-Based Members of Parliament” defended the newly signed cooperation agreement between the National Government and the Nairobi City County Government (NCCG), terming it constitutional and necessary for improved service delivery in the capital.
The agreement, signed on February 19, 2026, is anchored on Article 189 of the Constitution and Section 6 of the Urban Areas and Cities Act, which require structured collaboration between the two levels of government in the management of the Capital City.
Tthe MPs said the framework does not transfer any constitutional functions from the County Government to the National Government, clarifying that Article 187 — which governs the transfer of functions — has not been invoked.
“This is not a transfer of functions. The County Government retains its full constitutional authority,” the lawmakers stated, dismissing claims that the arrangement mirrors previous agreements that involved function transfers.
According to the MPs, the cooperation agreement targets key service areas affecting Nairobi residents, including solid waste management, roads and urban mobility, street lighting, markets and MSME infrastructure, housing-related infrastructure, water and sanitation services, and environmental rehabilitation.
They emphasized that the agreement is intended to address practical challenges facing families, traders, commuters and businesses across the city’s 17 sub-counties.
“Nairobi is not only a county government under Article 176 of the Constitution; it is the Capital City of the Republic of Kenya,” the statement read.
“Effective governance of the Capital City requires structured cooperation between the two levels of government.”
The legislators noted that Nairobi hosts the seat of the National Government, diplomatic missions, and international institutions, making coordinated management essential for national economic and administrative stability.
The MPs further assured residents that all financing under the cooperation framework will remain subject to the Public Finance Management Act, parliamentary oversight, audit by the Auditor-General, and public participation requirements.
“Transparency and accountability are not optional; they are mandatory,” the lawmakers said, pledging to support effective implementation while ensuring oversight and measurable outcomes.
They argued that development of the capital should not be hindered by political disputes or constitutional misinterpretation, adding that many global capital cities operate through structured collaboration between national and city administrations.
“Our position is clear: Uphold the Constitution. Strengthen devolution. Accelerate development. Protect public resources. Deliver for the people of Nairobi,” the statement concluded.
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