Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi was elected yesterday as the new Chairperson of the Council of Governors (CoG), succeeding Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, whose tenure ended after two terms. Abdullahi won the election held at Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi, where Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga was also elected to serve as Vice Chairperson.
The race initially featured five candidates, including Governors Abdullahi, Kahiga, Muthomi Njuki (Tharaka Nithi), Joseph Ole Lenku (Kajiado), and Johnson Sakaja (Nairobi). The election process, which took over five hours, considered factors such as candidates’ participation in previous Council meetings and the need for regional balance, which worked in Abdullahi’s favour as Wajir had not previously held the position.
In her final State of Devolution address, Waiguru highlighted significant progress in sectors like health, education, tourism, and energy while also pointing out the challenges of delayed fund disbursement. She expressed hope that future allocations would be more timely, as counties received only Sh354.6 billion of the Sh385.4 billion equitable share allocation for 2023/2024.
Newly elected Chair Abdullahi pledged to continue collaborating closely with the national government to ensure smooth devolution. He emphasized a vision of unity, collaboration, and inclusivity, urging county governors to work together to address challenges and seize opportunities for the benefit of all Kenyans.
Chief Justice Martha Koome also weighed in, emphasizing the judiciary’s role in safeguarding the promise of devolution. She noted the transformative impact county governments have had on governance, service delivery, and development across Kenya over the past 12 years.
Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki will continue serving as the Chairperson of the CoG’s Health Committee, playing a key role in implementing Kenya’s universal health coverage strategies as the country transitions to the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
The election initially aimed for a consensus, but disagreements led to a ballot process where Abdullahi emerged victorious. As the new CoG Chairperson, he will lead the non-partisan organization comprising the governors of all 47 counties. Abdullahi is expected to champion timely resource allocation to counties, as delayed disbursements threaten to cripple services at the devolved units. He will also oversee the promotion of visionary leadership, the sharing of best governance practices, and serve as a collective voice on policy issues affecting counties.
Past CoG Chairpersons include Isaac Ruto (2013-2015), Peter Munya (2015-2017), Josphat Nanok (2017-2019), Wycliffe Oparanya (2019-2021), Martin Wambora (2021-2022), and Anne Waiguru (2022-2024).
Other committee chair-people elected include:
Agriculture: Kenneth Lusaka (Bungoma)
Legal: Ochilo Ayako (Migori)
Finance: Fernandes Barasa (Kakamega)
Environment: Wilber Otichilo (Vihiga)
Arid and Semi-Arid Lands: Nathif Jamah (Garissa)
Blue Economy: Paul Otuoma (Busia)
Education: Eric Mutai (Kericho)
Gender: Simon Kachapin (West Pokot)
Human Resource: Johnson Sakaja (Nairobi)
ICT: Wesley Rotich (Elgeyo Marakwet)
Lands and Housing: Anyang’ Nyong’o (Kisumu)
Resource Mobilization: Simba Arati (Kisii)
Security: Benjamin Cheboi (Baringo)
Tourism: Patrick Ntutu (Narok)
Trade: Wavinya Ndeti (Machakos)
Transport: Mohammud Ali (Marsabit)
Water: Joshua Irungu (Laikipia).
As the new face of the CoG, Abdullahi is tasked with promoting inter-county consultations and advocating for counties’ interests, particularly in pushing for timely disbursements to avoid the potential collapse of services due to funding delays.
