Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi has been elected the new Chairperson of the Council of Governors (CoG). Abdullahi was chosen through consensus during a full council meeting convened in line with Section 19(2) and (3) of the Intergovernmental Relations Act (2022), where both Executive and Technical Committee Chairs were also elected.
The Council’s elections, which are typically undertaken by consensus rather than competitive voting, saw governors unanimously agree on the team that will steer the Council for the next one year.
In his acceptance speech, Governor Abdullahi pledged to build a stronger, more united Council that upholds the spirit of devolution and ensures efficient delivery of services at the county level.
“Today marks a renewed chapter for the Council of Governors. Our collective focus is on strengthening devolution by ensuring counties are adequately resourced, effectively managed, and that citizens receive quality services,” said Abdullahi.
He outlined five key priorities for his tenure, including operationalization of the County Training Institute, implementation of the 2022–2027 Strategic Plan, renewed commitment to the Council’s unity, completion of the transfer and costing of devolved functions, and expansion of membership within the Ugatuzi Sacco.
“We are committed to seeing through the full transfer and proper costing of all devolved functions. Counties must be empowered to manage their responsibilities effectively and sustainably,” he added.
“Our goal is to build a stronger, more united Council that protects the spirit of devolution envisioned in our Constitution. We must speak with one voice on matters that affect our counties and the people we serve,” he emphasized.
The newly elected Vice Chairperson is Mutahi Kahiga, Governor of Nyeri County, while Muthomi Njuki, Governor of Tharaka Nithi County, will serve as the Chief Whip.
Other key committee chairpersons include Kakamega Governor Fernandez Barasa (Finance, Planning and Economic Affairs), Mombasa Governor Abdul Swamad Shariff Nassir (Health), Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka (Agriculture and Livestock), and Vihiga Governor Wilber Ottichilo (Environment, Forestry and Climate Change).
Kericho Governor Eric Mutai will chair the Education Committee, Homa Bay’s Gladys Wanga will lead the Human Resources and Labour Committee, while Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o will chair the Land, Housing and Urban Development Committee.
Meanwhile, the Council used the occasion to address concerns raised by the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) over alleged health failures in Kiambu County, terming recent reports of the death of 136 babies as false and misleading.
“The health function in Kiambu County is fully operational. Doctors and medical personnel are on duty in all facilities. The reports circulating are not only inaccurate but also irresponsible,” Abdullahi stated.
“We urge both the Ministry of Health and KMPDU to stop politicizing health and respect the constitutional mandate of county governments to run this function. Our focus must remain on strengthening service delivery, not spreading alarm,” he added.
The new CoG leadership now faces the task of guiding counties through a challenging fiscal environment marked by delayed disbursements, rising wage bills, and calls for enhanced accountability.
“Devolution remains Kenya’s greatest governance innovation, but it can only thrive through cooperation, transparency, and shared responsibility between both levels of government,” Abdullahi concluded.
With his election, Ahmed Abdullahi steps into the CoG’s top seat at a time when devolution stands at a crossroads tested by financial strain, political wrangles, and public demand for accountability. His promise to unite governors around service delivery and truth in governance could well define not just his tenure, but the next chapter of Kenya’s devolution story.
