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Historic first as Ruto addresses Nairobi MCAs
President William Ruto (front), accompanied by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and other leaders, during the World Minority Rights Day celebrations at State House, Nairobi, on December 18, 2025. The event underscored Kenya’s commitment to equality, social justice and the rights of minority and marginalised communities.
President William Ruto is expected to make history on Thursday, April 9, as the first Head of State to address Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) in Nairobi since the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution and the rollout of devolution in 2013.
In a letter to County Assembly Speaker Kennedy Ng’ondi, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei confirmed that the President will address the Assembly on Thursday afternoon, following an invitation by the House.
“I make reference to your letter dated February 18, 2026, inviting His Excellency the President to address the County Assembly on April 9, 2026. This is to inform you that the event has been scheduled for 2.30pm at the Assembly Chambers, City Hall, Nairobi. Kindly forward a brief and any other relevant information to this office for use by His Excellency,” Mr Koskei said.
Last week, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja said the invitation reflects growing collaboration between the county government and the Kenya Kwanza administration.
“We agreed that he can come and have a sitting with them at the County Assembly. I think it is a move that strengthens devolution and he should do the same in other counties,” said Mr Sakaja.
Nairobi City County Governor Johnson Sakaja during an interview at his residence in Nairobi on February 14, 2026.
While the governor framed the visit as a boost to intergovernmental relations, the President is also expected to address key issues arising from the Sh80 billion cooperation agreement signed in February at State House. The deal outlines areas of joint action between the national and county governments to tackle Nairobi’s pressing challenges.
Among the key issues, President Ruto is expected to outline plans on garbage collection and disposal, following concerns over waste management in the city.
The national government has since taken a lead role in cleaning Nairobi, including restoring the Nairobi River.
He is also expected to update MCAs on water supply and management systems, as well as ongoing public works and infrastructure projects.
These include the promise to construct kilometres of tarmac roads in every ward and address persistent street lighting concerns raised by MCAs.
Affordable housing and the construction of modern markets, among them the redevelopment of sections of Gikomba Market, are also expected to feature prominently in his address.
The visit comes in the wake of a failed attempt by MCAs to impeach Governor Sakaja over alleged poor development planning and is widely seen as both a governance and political move as the President seeks to consolidate support in Nairobi, a long-standing political battleground.
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