New Leadership at Council of Governors as Governors Elect Successors to Ahmed Abdullahi
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Tharaka-Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki has been elected the new chairperson of the Council of Governors (CoG), taking over from outgoing chairperson Ahmed Abdullahi.
Njuki will serve a one-year term and will be eligible for re-election. Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka has been elected vice-chairperson, joining Njuki in the new leadership of the council, which brings together governors from Kenya’s 47 counties.
Njuki succeeds Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, who served two terms as the council’s chairperson.
New Council of Governors Leadership Takes Shape
The new leadership was elected during a full council meeting at Mövenpick Hotel in Nairobi on Monday, October 12, bringing an end to the succession process.
Njuki’s election places him at the centre of efforts to coordinate governors’ positions on devolution, county financing and service delivery.
Lusaka will deputise Njuki, while Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi retained his position as the council’s whip, providing continuity in its executive leadership.
The new team takes office as county governments continue to push for adequate funding, the transfer of devolved functions and stronger cooperation with the national government.
Abdullahi Urges Governors to Support Muthoni Njuki and New Leadership
Outgoing chairperson Ahmed Abdullahi thanked fellow governors for supporting him during his tenure and urged them to extend the same support to Njuki.
“As I exit this role, I just want to thank all my colleagues who I’ve served with in this term. It wouldn’t have been possible without them. I want to thank them for giving me that opportunity. I want to ask you to support the next chair the very way you supported me,” Abdullahi said.
Lusaka, who also contested for the chairperson position, congratulated Njuki and pledged to support his leadership.
He said he would not divide the council for personal gain, emphasising the need for unity among governors.
“My colleague, Governor Muthomi Njuki of Tharaka Nithi, will serve as chair, while I take up the position of vice chair. I could never divide an otherwise cohesive group for personal gain,” Lusaka said.
Governors Elected to Lead Council Committees
The elections also determined the leadership of the council’s technical committees, which coordinate county governments’ positions across different sectors.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja was elected to chair the Transport, Infrastructure and Energy Committee, while Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika will lead the Land and Housing Committee.
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga will chair the Human Resources and Labour Committee, while Samburu Governor Jonathan Lelelit will head the Security Committee.
Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu was elected to lead the Tourism Committee, while Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha will chair the Trade and Cooperatives Committee.
Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich will head the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Committee.
Other governors were elected to lead committees covering finance, health, agriculture, education, environmental management and other areas of county administration.
Full List of Council of Governors Committee Chairpersons
The new committee leadership is as follows:
- Finance, Planning and Economic Affairs: Fernandes Barasa
- Health: Abdulswamad Nassir
- Agriculture: Anne Waiguru
- Environment: Wilber Ottichilo
- Resource Mobilisation and Partnerships: Stephen Sang
- Disaster Management: Ahmed Abdullahi
- Blue Economy: Dhadho Godhana Otuoma
- Education: Erick Mutai
- Gender and Youth Affairs: Isaac Mutuma
- Human Resources and Labour: Mutahi Kahiga
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT): Wisley Rotich
- Land and Housing: Susan Kihika
- Security: Jonathan Lelelit
- Tourism: Patrick Ole Ntutu
- Trade and Cooperatives: Kiarie Badilisha
- Transport, Infrastructure and Energy: Johnson Sakaja
- Water and Natural Resource Management: Irungu Kangata
- Legal and Constitutional Affairs: Ochillo Ayacko
Council of Governors’ Role in Devolution
The Council of Governors brings together the heads of Kenya’s 47 county governments and provides a platform for consultation and coordination on issues affecting devolution.
It also helps governors develop common positions when engaging the national government on matters such as funding, the transfer of functions and the delivery of services to residents.
Njuki and his team will now lead these engagements as county governments seek to strengthen devolution and address challenges affecting service delivery across the country.
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Photo of Council of Governors while holding a Full Council Meeting at Mövenpick Hotel in Nairobi on October 12
PHOTO/Council of Governors
