Africazine:
President William Ruto is set to make history by addressing the Nairobi City County Assembly next month.
This unprecedented event will take place on Thursday, April 9, 2026, marking the first time a sitting head of state speaks to a county assembly in Kenya. The invitation was extended by the Nairobi MCAs, and preparations are underway to ensure a smooth address.
Historic Address by President Ruto
President Ruto’s upcoming address is a significant milestone in Kenya’s political landscape. Since the introduction of devolution sixteen years ago, no head of state has engaged directly with any of the 47 county assemblies. This event is seen as a testament to the ongoing commitment to devolution in the country.
County Assembly Clerk Edward Gichana expressed optimism about the address, stating it affirms the progress of devolution. The assembly is preparing to establish new protocols to accommodate this historic occasion.
Nairobi Assembly Prepares for the President’s Visit
The Nairobi MCAs are actively preparing for the logistics and protocols surrounding the address. A committee led by Speaker Ken Ng’ondi is working to ensure that the event adheres to constitutional and statutory requirements. They are reviewing the Standing Orders to facilitate debate and formal adoption of the President’s speech.
Gichana noted that Ruto will address the assembly under Standing Order number 28, which permits dignitaries to speak in the house. This inaugural address is expected to set a precedent for future interactions between county assemblies and the executive.
Next Steps for the Nairobi Assembly
- Finalize logistics for the address on April 9, 2026.
- Review Standing Orders to accommodate the address and subsequent debate.
- Prepare relevant information and brief for the President’s use.
This historic address by President Ruto underscores the evolving nature of governance in Kenya.
