- Former Minister of Public Service, Moses Kuria, has praised Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna for his moderate criticism of the partnership agreement between Nairobi County and the National Government
- Sifuna objected to the alleged injection of KSh 80 billion, warning that the contract could repeat the challenges that once faced Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS).
- He suggested alternative methods, including direct payment of government debts and proper transfer of decentralized responsibilities
- Kuria congratulated Sifuna through X for providing a constructive and policy solution instead of introducing empty politics
Former Minister of Public Service Moses Kuria has shown many praises to the Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna.
Source: Twitter
This followed his cautious stance against the partnership agreement recently signed between the Governor Johnson and President William Ruto.
What contract did Sifuna oppose?
The agreement, signed at the Nairobi State House on Tuesday, February 17, is a two-year legal agreement aimed at improving service delivery and strengthening county responsibilities.
Built under the Towns and Cities Act (Cap 275) and the Intergovernmental Relations Act (Cap 265F), the agreement covers areas such as solid waste management, road infrastructure, housing, water and sanitation.
The management of the program was placed in the hands of two committees, including the steering committee headed by the First Prime Minister Stay Mudavadi while Sakaja is the vice-chairman, along with the implementation committee.
Although the government presented the deal as a historic step to improve Nairobi, Sifuna was quick to express his concerns, dismissing claims of Ruto that KSh 80 billion would be brought into the city.
He said the agreement has the risk of reviving the challenges NMS has faced, including unpaid bills, weak audits and rampant corruption.
Why did Kuria praise Sifuna?
In addition to the criticism, Sifuna suggested an alternative method that he said could address the challenges of service delivery in the city without violating constitutional provisions.
He emphasized the need to directly pay government debts while ensuring that the funds in the County Assembly are protected for priority projects.
The Member of Parliament also wanted the full transfer of decentralized responsibilities, suggesting that the activities that were managed by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) and the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) in Nairobi should be sent directly to the county government.
He said funding for important infrastructure, such as street lights and markets such as Gikomba Market, should be available through legal systems, while the Treasury is required to provide county allocations on time.
Source: UGC
The modest criticism did not go unnoticed, as on Wednesday, February 18, Kuria wrote on X praising Sifuna for providing a practical alternative.
He described the senator’s approach as a rare example of constructive political participation.
In what was seen as a blow to the Opposition Union, known for its slogans of Wantam and “Kasongo must go,” the former minister insisted that slogans cannot build a nation.
“I heard Sen Sifuna today giving his proposed alternative regarding the joint reception of Musalia-Sakaja for Nairobi. This is the first time the opposition leader has given an alternative other than ONE TERM and MUST GO. Congratulations Omwami Sifuna. Slogans cannot build a nation. Competing and complementary policies can,” said Kuria.
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