The Council of Governors (CoG) has retained its current leadership, with Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi re-elected as Chairperson and Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga confirmed once again as Vice Chairperson.
At the same time,Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki was elected as Whip for the next one year.
The elections took place on Monday, October 6, during a full council meeting.
According to a statement issued after the session, the selection process was guided by consensus in line with the Intergovernmental Relations Act of 2012.
"The Council’s elections are undertaken by consensus, and we unanimously agreed on the leadership that will steer the Council for the next one year," the statement read.
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Alongside the top leadership confirmation, the CoG also unveiled a detailed line-up of governors who will head its specialized committees.
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa was named chair of the influential Finance, Planning and Economic Affairs Committee, while Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Sherrif Nassir will take charge of the Health Committee.
Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka was selected to lead the Agriculture and Livestock Development Committee, and Vihiga Governor Wilber Ottichilo will oversee the Environment, Forestry and Climate Change Committee.
Other committee assignments include Nandi Governor Stephen Sang as head of Resource Mobilization and Partnerships, Garissa Governor Nathif Adam for the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands and Disaster Risk Management Committee, and Busia Governor Paul Otuoma to lead the Blue Economy Committee.
Kericho Governor Erick Mutai has been appointed to chair the Education Committee, while West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin will oversee the Gender, Youth, Sports, Culture and Social Services Committee.
Meanwhile, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga will chair the Human Resources, Labor and Social Welfare Committee.
Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich will head the Information, Technology and Communication (ICT) and Knowledge Management Committee, with Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o leading the Land, Housing and Urban Development Committee.
The CoG was established following the introduction of the devolved system of government under the 2010 Constitution.
Its creation was meant to strengthen cooperation among counties and provide a collective voice for governors when engaging with the national government.
Over the years, it has become an influential body in shaping discussions on devolution, resource allocation, and national policies that impact county governments.
Since its formation, the council has been led by several prominent figures, including Isaac Ruto of Bomet who became its founding chair in 2013 and was succeeded by Peter Munya of Meru in 2015.
Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok took over in 2017, followed by Wycliffe Oparanya of Kakamega in 2019.
Embu Governor Martin Wambora was elected in 2021 before handing the reins to Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru in 2022.
In 2024, leadership passed to Abdullahi, who now serves as the current chair.
The council mainly functions through consensus, with leadership elections and decisions often made collectively rather than by contested votes.
Its key responsibilities include promoting visionary leadership among counties, facilitating the sharing of best practices, strengthening inter-county consultation, and providing capacity building for county administrations.
The council is supported by a secretariat and operates through several sectoral committees that allow governors to focus on specific areas of governance.
