Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi has been elected as the new Chairperson of the Council of Governors (CoG), succeeding Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, who completed her two-term tenure. 

Governor Abdullahi's election took place at Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi, where Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga was also chosen to serve as the Vice Chairperson.

The election, which featured five(5) county chiefs vying for the position, was highly competitive. 

Among those in the race were Mr Abdullahi, Mr Kahiga, Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki, Kajiado Governor Joseph ole Lenku, and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja. 

After a lengthy process, Mr Abdullahi emerged victorious, with Mr Kahiga securing the vice-chairmanship.

The election involved a thorough vetting process that considered each candidate's participation in previous Council meetings. 

Additionally, regional balance played a significant role in the election to ensure that leadership would not return to the same region consecutively, a factor that worked in Mr Abdullahi’s favour as Wajir had not previously held the position.

Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki, who also contested for the top seat, will continue to serve as Chair of the Council’s Health Committee.

Mr Njuki is expected to play a crucial role in the rollout of Kenya's universal health coverage strategy, as the country transitions to the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).

Initially, the governors had sought to reach a consensus on the leadership transition, but the lack of agreement led to a ballot election, in which Governor Abdullahi emerged as the winner. 

He now takes charge of the non-partisan Council, which is tasked with representing the interests of the 47 county governments as established under Section 19 of the Intergovernmental Relations Act (IGRA), 2012.

The incoming Chairperson outlined his vision for the Council, with a focus on several key areas of action. 

He emphasized the need to advocate for increased funding to counties and ensure the timely disbursement of equitable resources. 

Mr Abdullahi also highlighted the importance of lobbying for the completion of unbundling, costing, and transferring of devolved functions, a critical process in ensuring that county governments are adequately empowered.

The welcoming ceremony is expected to be attended by prominent leaders, including Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who will be present for Abdullahi's installation as Chairperson of the Council of Governors.