Mombasa Governor takes over health docket in CoG shake-up

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir has been elected Chair of the Council of Governors Health Committee, inheriting a docket long marked by labour unrest, strained county–national relations over the Social Health Authority (SHA), and heightened public scrutiny of health outcomes.

His appointment took place during the CoG full meeting in Nairobi on Monday, when Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi was re‑elected as Chairperson and Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga retained his Vice Chairperson slot. Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki, the outgoing Health Committee Chair, was elevated to Chief Whip as part of the reshuffle.

Governor Abdulswamad now faces the challenge of stabilising staff morale, guiding counties through SHA implementation, and ensuring that health facility performance improves under sharper public attention.

In the aftermath of the meeting, the Council of Governors issued a statement rejecting reports that newborns had died in Kiambu County as a result of the ongoing doctors’ strike. The CoG described such claims as unverified and irresponsible, cautioning against sensational narratives that undermine trust in devolved health systems.

The statement emphasised that, while industrial action poses challenges, the integrity of data must be respected and verified before public alarm is stoked. It urged all parties—health workers, county governments, and unions—to work collaboratively to resolve disruptions, rather than escalating blame through media reports.

Kiambu County itself strongly refuted allegations that 136 newborns had died. In a press release, the county government labelled the figure “fabricated” and said official records show 53 neonatal deaths over the relevant period—not linked to service collapse. 

County health officials also affirmed that neonatal and maternity services remained operational, substitution staff were deployed during the strike, and data from independent monitors such as NEST (Newborn Essential Solutions & Technologies) did not corroborate a mortality spike. 

The county’s rebuttal added:

“These false narratives are aimed at creating a crisis that simply does not exist … Where is the evidence? Making claims is easy, but proof is what matters.” 

Kiambu’s official also noted that neonatal units remain functional, and the county has one of the lowest newborn mortality rates in Kenya—averaging eight deaths per 1,000 live births, well below the national average. 

Simultaneously, Kisii Governor Simba Arati was elected Chair of the Security and Foreign Affairs Committee, replacing Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi. His mandate includes coordinating county input into national security frameworks, bolstering community policing, and managing cross-border conflict resolutions.

Below is the full list of the committee members:

Committee Chair Governor

Health Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Sheriff Nassir 

Finance, Planning & Economic Affairs Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa 

Agriculture & Livestock Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka 

Environment, Forestry & Climate Change Vihiga Governor Wilber Ottichilo 

Resource Mobilization & Partnerships Nandi Governor Stephen Sang 

ASAL / Disaster Risk Management Garissa Governor Nathif Jama

Blue Economy Busia Governor Paul Otuoma 

Education Kericho Governor Erick Mutai 

Gender, Youth, Sports, Culture & Social Services West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin 

Human Resources, Labour & Social Welfare Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga 

ICT & Knowledge Management Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich 

Lands, Housing & Urban Development Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o

According to sources within the Council, the elections were conducted by consensus, not secret ballot, in accordance with the Intergovernmental Relations Act.

“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,” a CoG official stated after the meeting.

The newly elected committee heads are expected to begin induction and policy briefings this week. Governor Abdulswamad’s Health Committee is likely to meet first to review progress on SHA rollout and assess county preparedness for the next phase of the medical claims digitisation programme.