17/02/2026
I have been reflecting on the recent cooperation agreement between Nairobi County and the National Government and many of us are asking a genuine question: Is such an agreement really necessary? Shouldn’t cooperation between the two levels of government be obvious?
In principle, yes. The Constitution already requires the national and county governments to work together, support each other and coordinate their functions. After all, both exist to serve the same citizens.
However, in practice, things are not always that simple. Devolution created two independent levels of government, each with its own mandate, leadership and resources. In a complex city like Nairobi, which is not only a county but also the capital and the seat of the national government, responsibilities often overlap. Without clear structures for coordination, this can lead to duplication, delays, conflicts or gaps in service delivery.
A formal cooperation framework is therefore meant to clarify roles, improve coordination and ensure accountability, especially in critical areas like health, infrastructure, urban planning, housing and environmental management.
That said, the real issue is not the existence of a cooperation agreement. The key question is whether such arrangements strengthen service delivery while respecting the spirit of devolution and the autonomy of county governments.
At the end of the day, citizens are less concerned about which level of government is in charge and more concerned about results: efficient services, better infrastructure, a clean environment and a well managed city.
Cooperation should not just be written on paper. It should be felt in the everyday lives of the people.
