Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa has called for a fresh review of the cooperation agreement between Nairobi County and the National Government, stressing that the deal must strictly adhere to constitutional and statutory requirements.
Speaking after Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja appeared before the Senate Committee on Devolution, the Kiambu Senator said members were in agreement that the framework requires re-examination to ensure full compliance with the law. He emphasized that partnerships between national and county governments must reinforce, rather than compromise, devolution.
“Devolution must work within the law, and any partnership must strengthen, not weaken, county governance,” Karungo said.
The senator underlined that any cooperation arrangement must protect the autonomy and identity of Nairobi County while safeguarding the oversight authority of county assemblies. According to him, county budgets and public funds must remain transparent and fully accountable, and citizens must be meaningfully involved in decisions that affect their resources and services.
Karungo noted that the success of devolution hinges on clear, lawful agreements between counties and the national government. “Devolution can only succeed if partnerships are built on legal frameworks that reinforce governance structures, accountability, and public trust,” he said.
His remarks come amid growing public debate over the Nairobi cooperation deal, which some stakeholders have argued could compromise county autonomy and weaken legislative oversight. The Kiambu Senator’s call for a legal review places constitutional compliance, accountability, and citizen participation at the centre of the discussion.
According to Karungo, proper legal scrutiny will ensure that cooperation agreements do not undermine the powers of county assemblies or compromise the management of public resources. He stressed that such partnerships must complement county planning, budgeting, and service delivery rather than bypass established governance mechanisms.
The senator also highlighted the importance of public participation in any joint initiatives, noting that citizens have a right to know how their resources are being managed. He urged both the county and national governments to ensure that agreements are not only legal but also transparent, protecting the interests of residents and preserving the principles of devolution.
Karungo’s call for review signals a renewed focus on strengthening county governance, particularly in Nairobi, where cooperative frameworks with the national government are increasingly scrutinized. Lawmakers and stakeholders now face the task of ensuring that the deal aligns with constitutional provisions while promoting efficient, accountable, and inclusive governance.
As the debate unfolds, all eyes are on the Senate Committee on Devolution and Nairobi County leadership to ensure that the partnership framework adheres to legal standards and upholds the spirit of devolution across Kenya.
