President William Ruto.
President William Ruto will next week pitch tent at the Nairobi County Assembly.
The unprecedented move comes amid a troubled capital city reeling from effects of devastating floods that have left a trail of death and destruction.
The development, hot on the heels of a contentious Sh80 billion cooperation deal with Governor Johnson Sakaja, sends a clear signal of how politically significant the City County is to the president ahead of the 2027 elections.
Nairobi County Assembly Clerk Edward Gichana told the Nation that the Head of State will address MCAs on Thursday April 9, 2026 with deepening devolution and the Sh80 billion City Hall-National Government cooperation deal top on the agenda.
The address also follows a request by MCAs to have the ear of the president amid challenges facing the capital and county assemblies in general.
“This was a request that was made by the leaders of the county assembly for him to come. He is sending a signal that devolution is here to stay,” said Mr Gichana.
Nairobi County Assembly Clerk Edward Gichana.
Demolitions, Gikomba
The visit comes at a time when there is political disgruntlement in the capital amid demolition of illegal structures along riverbanks, as well as the relocation of individuals occupying riparian land in a sweeping plan to curb persistent flooding.
There has also been illegal eviction of people from county houses, irregular payment of contractors, stalled ward projects and issues of uncollected garbage in the city.
The national government has also come under fire from city residents following the demolition of Gikomba Shoe Market.
Traders rummage through the ruins as they try to salvage their belongings on March 31, 2026 after a section of Gikomba Market was demolished on Monday night by authorities.
“There could be unique things he wanted to discuss with members and Nairobians, which I believe he has discussed with the leadership but they are yet to share with us,” Mr Gichana added.
He explained that the President chose Nairobi by virtue of it being the capital as well as having the second largest assembly in the country after the National Assembly.
“The 2.30pm address will be the only business of the afternoon. We will not have any other business that day...This is unprecedented and for us, we are really excited.”
On his part, Kilimani MCA Moses Ogeto said the meeting will most probably focus on matters of development and the cooperation agreement.
Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai noted that the visit has been a year in the making but had been facing resistance from, among others, a section of Nairobi MPs. He said the President has been keen on meeting the ward representatives at a time when assemblies have been agitating for ward development funds and financial autonomy.
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