Nairobi — President William Ruto has directed the Ministry of Interior to establish a dedicated Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit by April 17 in a major security reform aimed at strengthening public safety and law enforcement coordination in the capital city.
Speaking during the signing of a cooperation framework between the national government and Nairobi City County Government, President Ruto emphasized that security remains a "non-negotiable" priority for a modern capital, highlighting Nairobi's strategic role as Kenya's political, economic, and diplomatic hub.
"Security is non-negotiable, especially for a modern capital city like Nairobi," President Ruto said.
"I therefore direct the Cabinet Secretary for Interior to prepare and present within 60 days a framework for a dedicated Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit to work hand in hand with Nairobi County security."
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The new unit is expected to enhance coordination between national and county security structures, improve rapid response capabilities, and ensure the safety of residents, visitors, investors, and businesses operating in the city.
President Ruto noted that the security directive is part of a broader cooperation agreement anchored in the Constitution, the Intergovernmental Relations Act, and the Urban Areas and Cities Act.
He clarified that the framework does not transfer county functions to the national government but strengthens structured collaboration to improve service delivery.
"Nairobi is not merely another devolved unit. It is our capital, the seat of the Republic, and the nerve center of national administration. For many visitors and investors, Nairobi is not just the face of Kenya; Nairobi is Kenya," he said.
Sh80bn package
As part of the broader vision for Nairobi, the President outlined a capital package estimated at Sh80 billion, targeting key sectors such as water and sanitation, roads, drainage, housing, street lighting, and solid waste management.
Flagship initiatives include Sh3.7 billion for modernization and expansion of street lighting, including completion of 10,000 lighting points, installation of an additional 40,000, and a transition to solar solutions.
The national government will also avail Sh1.5 billion for transformers and last-mile electricity connections in informal settlements, alongside prepaid bulk frameworks to reduce electricity costs.
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President Ruto reaffirmed that the Nairobi City County Government retains its constitutional mandate, with the national government providing structured support due to Nairobi's unique national and international responsibilities.
"For the avoidance of doubt, I have no interest in running the city of Nairobi. My hands are full. The governor and his team must run the city. But I have an obligation as President of Kenya to assist Nairobi," he said.
He also highlighted ongoing and planned projects, including affordable housing developments, modern markets, a new airport, Talanta Stadium, and modern arena and conference facilities, all aimed at transforming Nairobi into a globally competitive African metropolis.
The President called on political leaders and citizens to set aside partisanship and work together to modernize the city, urging Kenyans to embrace patriotism and reject negativity.
"We must raise our ambition. We cannot continue to make peace with mediocrity. Nairobi must be orderly, functional, competitive, and globally respected," Ruto said.
