Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi has retained his position as Chairman of the Council of Governors (CoG) following an election held at the council’s headquarters in Westlands, Nairobi, on Monday.
The vote, conducted by consensus, also saw Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki appointed as the council’s new whip, replacing Nandi’s Stephen Sang.
Kisii Governor Simba Arati, who previously led the Resource Mobilisation docket, will now chair the Security and Foreign Relations Committee, reflecting what insiders described as an effort to balance experience with political inclusivity.
“We, the executive, having been duly elected to serve, hereby commit to strengthening the mandate of the council and protecting the spirit of devolution,” Abdullahi said after the announcement.
He outlined several priorities for his new term, including the operationalisation of the Devolution Training Institute, full implementation of the CoG’s 2022–2027 Strategic Plan, and completion of the transfer and costing of devolved functions. The council also plans to increase membership in the Ugatuzi Sacco, which serves county officials.
Procurement Dispute
Abdullahi addressed ongoing tensions over the National Treasury’s push for electronic procurement, saying the system remains unworkable in most counties.
“As you are aware, we moved to court and the court ruled that counties are at liberty to use either electronic or manual procurement,” he said. “We have complied with that order, and services are going on smoothly.”
The CoG had challenged the Treasury’s e-Government Procurement (e-GP) directive, arguing it was rolled out without proper testing. Abdullahi emphasised that counties are not opposed to digitisation but need a system that has been “tried and found working.”
Continuity and Consensus
Abdullahi, who first took over the CoG chairmanship in October 2024, was previously vice-chair under Anne Waiguru, whose term ended last year. His re-election continues a rotation of leadership designed to reflect both the Kenya Kwanza and Azimio coalitions.
Past CoG chairs include Isaac Ruto, Peter Munya, Josphat Nanok, Wycliffe Oparanya, Martin Wambora, and Anne Waiguru—each serving during different phases of Kenya’s evolving devolution journey.
The Council of Governors remains a key body in Kenya’s governance structure, representing the 47 county governments in negotiations with the national administration.
Political observers say Abdullahi’s re-election signals a desire for stability and continuity amid persistent fiscal and policy disputes between the two levels of government.
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