Critics Haven’t Read the Law on Nairobi Deal, Murkomen Says

File image of Interor CS Kipchumba Murkomen

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has strongly defended the cooperation agreement between the Nairobi County Government and the National Government, terming criticism of the deal as “absolutely erroneous.”

Speaking during a press briefing in Nakuru on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Murkomen described the agreement as a major opportunity to strengthen collaboration between the two levels of government.

“This is a very great opportunity for us. We appreciate the working relationship between national government and county government,” he said.

“I am excited, as a former senator, to see the Urban Areas and Cities Act and the Intergovernmental Relations Act being put into use to enhance cooperation.”

Murkomen dismissed claims that the agreement amounts to a takeover of Nairobi County.

“For those who are faulting Governor Sakaja and the county government, they have not read the law. I speak here as someone who helped draft the Urban Areas and Cities Act and the Intergovernmental Relations Act even before I became a senator,” he said.

He explained that the law recognises Nairobi’s unique position as the capital city and allows structured agreements between the county and national government.

“That is in black and white. The agreement is bolstered by Article 189 of the Constitution, which provides for intergovernmental relations and ensures that the two levels of government complement each other,” Murkomen stated.

Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit

The Interior CS said the cooperation framework would significantly strengthen Nairobi’s security systems through the establishment of the Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit (NMPU).

“Pickpockets, criminals, gunmen and drug peddlers will be dealt with more efficiently under a Nairobi Metropolitan framework,” he said.

Murkomen described the NMPU as a new policing model that will first be piloted in Nairobi before being replicated in other cities.

“What we will do in Nairobi will become the prototype we apply in other cities and urban areas,” he said.

The government plans to integrate private CCTV systems in business districts and residential areas into a central police network. Murkomen added that surveillance systems will be upgraded from NC3 to NC4 and enhanced with Artificial Intelligence to detect crime patterns scientifically.

Ruto, Sakaja Insist It’s Not a Transfer of Functions

During the signing ceremony at State House on February 17, President William Ruto emphasised that the agreement does not involve a transfer of county functions.

“Let me repeat, there is no transfer of functions happening. I have no interest in running the city of Nairobi. The governor and his team must run the city,” Ruto said.

Governor Johnson Sakaja also defended the deal, citing Section 6 of the Urban Areas and Cities Act. He argued that Nairobi’s role as a regional business hub, diplomatic centre, and host of United Nations offices requires additional national support.

“This is not a transfer but a collaboration which is encouraged,” Sakaja said.

The agreement establishes a steering committee chaired by the Prime Cabinet Secretary, with Sakaja as deputy chair, alongside an implementation committee led by the governor.

Critics Raise Legal Concerns

Despite government assurances, the deal has attracted sharp criticism. Embakasi East MP Babu Owino described it as an assault on devolution and questioned the legality of conducting public participation after signing the agreement.

“This is completely unconstitutional and unlawful,” Owino said.

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna also criticised the pact, warning that it risks reviving challenges experienced under the defunct Nairobi Metropolitan Services model.

He questioned the continued involvement of national agencies in county roads and proposed alternative measures, including direct debt settlement and adherence to constitutional funding structures.

However, Murkomen maintained that the agreement is lawful and beneficial to Nairobi residents. He urged critics to familiarise themselves with the relevant legislation before condemning the deal.

As the Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit prepares to roll out, the capital will serve as the first test of a new security framework aimed at improving governance, curbing crime, and strengthening intergovernmental cooperation. If successful, the model will be extended to other major urban centres across the country.