“We cannot relocate the capital to another city. In Tanzania they were able to do that with Dodoma and in Nigeria they moved away from Lagos.
our land tenure system cannot provide a solution like the one in Tanzania and Nigeria,” Mudavadi stated.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary acknowledged that countries such as Tanzania and Nigeria had previously undertaken similar changes, moving their capitals from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma and Lagos to Abuja respectively.
However, he stressed that Kenya faces distinct legal and administrative constraints.
Mudavadi pointed out that land ownership and usage in Kenya are governed by complex legal frameworks, making it difficult to acquire and reorganise land on the scale required to establish a new capital city.
He noted that such an undertaking would require extensive legal reforms and could trigger disputes over land rights.
He also highlighted the significant financial implications of relocating the capital, saying the cost of building new infrastructure, government offices and supporting facilities would be enormous.
According to Mudavadi, the country’s current priorities do not justify such an investment.
The Senate committee session focused on issues of devolution and intergovernmental relations, with lawmakers seeking clarification on various policy proposals and governance matters.
The suggestion to move the capital has surfaced in recent discussions, with some proponents arguing that it could ease congestion in Nairobi and promote regional development.
However, Mudavadi maintained that improving infrastructure and planning within Nairobi remains a more practical approach.
He said efforts should be directed towards expanding services, enhancing transport systems and addressing urban challenges within the existing capital.
The PCS further noted that Nairobi continues to serve as the political, economic and administrative hub of the country, with established institutions and infrastructure that support government operations.
Relocating these functions, he said, would disrupt services and create unnecessary complications.
He urged policymakers to focus on strengthening cities and towns across the country through devolution, rather than attempting to shift the capital.
According to Mudavadi, balanced development can be achieved by investing in counties and empowering local governments.