Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthoni Njuki has been elected as the new chairperson of the Council of Governors (CoG) after Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, who was at the helm for two years, stepped down. Also on Monday, October 12, 2026, Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka was elected as the new vice chairperson and Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi as the new whip in the county governors’ assembly. The new leaders will deliberate on ways to increase funds and support for county governments as they strive to fulfill their powers under the devolution agenda.

Lusaka said the governors had decided to reach a consensus on the leadership of the CoG to maintain unity within the body.

“I could not split a united assembly for my selfish needs. Devolution is bigger than any individual,” he said in an interview published by People Daily.

Lusaka added that he would collaborate with Njuki and other governors to enhance devolution and promote the counties’ agenda. The new council leadership will see Njuki at the helm of the governance organ with Lusaka as his deputy, working on matters to converge the interests of the 47-county governments.

Abdullahi was elected to the top leadership position in the council in October 2024 and was re-elected in October 2025. However, Abdullahi had to step down after two consecutive one-year terms in office.

The Council of Governors is a forum where county leaders deliberate on policies and programs to facilitate intergovernmental relations and negotiations with the national government on matters affecting devolution in Kenya. The Intergovernmental Relations Act 2012 empowers the council to promote and support intergovernmental relations and coordination between county governments and between national and county governments.

Njuki takes charge of the council as the country’s counties demand adequate and timely funding to provide essential services such as health, agriculture, and infrastructural developments. As the new boss, he will have to align governors’ positions on the allocation of resources and devolution of powers while promoting consensus among county governments on matters of governance, noting the divergent interests of the various county governments.

The new council leadership will be tested by the need to deliver on the agenda of county governments and promote devolution by collaborating with the national government to address the many challenges facing the country.