National Government Takes over Running of Nairobi County from Mike Sonko

The National Government has assumed the functions of the Nairobi County Government after the court barred Governor Mike Sonko from accessing his office last December.

In a statement on Tuesday evening, State House Spokesperson Kanze Dena said the national government takes over the functions in accordance with article 187 of the Constitution.

“A function or power of government at one level may be transferred to a government at the other level by agreement between the governments if the function or power would be more effectively performed or exercised by the receiving government; and if the transfer of the function or power is not prohibited by the legislation under which it is to be performed or exercised,” Article 187 (1) of the Constitution states.

Dena said the agreement to take over the roles of Nairobi County government was signed by Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko and Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa in “concurrence with H.E President Uhuru Kenyatta.”

“The signing of the agreement was also witnessed by the Speaker of the Senate, Hon. Kenneth Lusaka and the Attorney General Paul Kihara,” the statement read.

The National Government will take over the county health services, transport services, public works, utilities, and ancillary services as well as planning and development.

“This will ensure Nairobi residents receive services efficiently. The move comes as a breakthrough in the running of county services that had ground to a halt,” Dena said.