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Author: Samuel Murani

GOVERNORS REAFFIRM LEADERSHIP AS WAJIR GOVERNOR IS RE- ELECTED AT HELM OF COUNCIL

Posted on by Samuel Murani

Consensus and renewed commitment to Devolution defined this year’s leadership elections at the Council of Governors (CoG), where H.E FCPA Ahmed Abdullahi (Wajir County) was unanimously re-elected as Chairperson and H.E Dr. Mutahi Kahiga (Nyeri County) as Vice Chairperson. Nandi Governor Stephen Sang who served as the Council Whip for the past 3 years was appointed the Chair of the Resource Mobilization and Partnerships Committee while his Tharaka Nithi counterpart assumed the Chief Whip position.

The elections were conducted during a full Council Meeting held on Monday, 6th October 2025. In line with Sections 19(2) and (3) of the Intergovernmental Relations Act, 2012, the exercise saw the election of the Executive and Technical Committee Chairs, responsible for steering the Council in executing its mandate and strengthening Devolution in Kenya.

Among those elected include H.E. FCPA Fernandes Barasa (Kakamega County) – Finance, Planning and Economic Affairs Committee, H.E. Abdullswamad Shariff Nassir (Mombasa County) – Health Committee, H.E. Rt. Hon. Kenneth Lusaka, EGH (Bungoma County) – Agriculture and Livestock Development Committee, H.E. Dr. Wilber Ottichilo (Vihiga County) – Environment, Forestry and Climate Change Committee, H.E. Nathif Jama (Garissa County) – Arid and Semi-Arid Lands and Disaster Risk Management Committee, H.E. Dr. Paul Otuoma (Busia County) – Blue Economy Committee, H.E. Dr. Erick Mutai (Kericho County) – Education Committee, H.E. Simon Kachapin (West Pokot County) – Gender, Youth, Sports, Culture and Social Services Committee, H.E. Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay County) – Human Resources, Labour and Social Welfare Committee, H.E. Wisley Rotich (Elgeyo Marakwet County) – Information, Communication Technology and Knowledge Management Committee, H.E. Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o (Kisumu County) – Land, Housing and Urban Development Committee, H.E. Dr. Ochilo Ayacko (Migori County) – Legal, Constitutional Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations Committee, H.E. Paul Simba Arati (Kisii County) – Security and Foreign Affairs Committee, H.E. Patrick Ole Ntutu (Narok County) – Tourism and Wildlife Committee, H.E. Dr. Moses Badilisha Kiarie (Nyandarua County) – Trade and Cooperatives Committee, H.E. Kimani Wamatangi (Kiambu County) – Transport, Infrastructure and Energy Committee and H.E. Joshua Irungu (Laikipia County) – Water and Natural Resources Management Committee.

Making his remarks, Chairperson Ahmed Abdullahi thanked his colleagues for the renewed vote of confidence, pledging to build on the gains achieved in the past year.

“I take this opportunity to appreciate my fellow Excellency Governors for the trust and confidence they have bestowed upon me to serve once again as the Chairperson of the Council of Governors,” he said. “My commitment is to work with each one of you to strengthen the voice of County Governments and safeguard the principles of Devolution as enshrined in our Constitution.”

Governor Abdullahi outlined key priorities for the new term, including the operationalization of the Devolution Training Institute, complete transfer and costing of all devolved functions and lobbying for increased equitable share and timely disbursements. He further pledged to advocate for a review of laws that claw back on Devolution, expansion of Ugatuzi Sacco membership and implementation of the Strategic Plan 20222 – 2027.

He underscored the need for sustained unity and commitment among all Governors, emphasizing that “the progress of Devolution relies on collective effort and consistent advocacy for County interests.”

In his remarks, Vice Chairperson Dr. Mutahi Kahiga expressed gratitude for his re-election and lauded the Council for fostering collaboration and shared purpose over the past year.

“This role is both a privilege and a solemn duty and I accept it with a clear sense of purpose and commitment,” he said. “Together, we can drive transformative change for our Counties and the people of Kenya.”

Dr. Kahiga pledged to focus on defending County interests in Parliament and the Executive, strengthening Intergovernmental Relations and promoting unity and accountability within the Council. He also emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships and resource mobilization to enhance service delivery and resilience at the County level.

“As we continue to strengthen Devolution, let us remember that our strength lies in our unity and our shared commitment to improving the lives of the citizens we serve,” he added.

The Council also reaffirmed its position on recent national debates, particularly dismissing claims by the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) alleging the death of 136 infants in Kiambu County, describing the reports as false, misleading and politically motivated.

“The Council disassociates itself from the false and sensational claims published by KMPDU. Health is a fully devolved function and must be free from political interference,” the Council’s Chair stated.

The re-election of the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson, alongside the election of new committee chairs, marks a renewed sense of stability and collective resolve by the 47 Governors to strengthen Devolution and advance service delivery across the country.

BEYOND THE CONFERENCE: TURNING RESOLUTIONS INTO REALITY

Posted on by Samuel Murani

The 9th Devolution Conference officially came to an end on Friday, 15th August marking the conclusion of robust 3-day engagements on matters devolved governance and the beginning of an even greater task – implementation of the resolutions agreed upon during the conference by all relevant actors.

Delivering the keynote speech, Deputy President H.E Prof. Kithure Kindiki highlighted that all stakeholders have a role to play in implementation of the commitments made. “Devolution is more than a constitutional requirement, it is a moral duty to make sure prosperity reaches every corner of our nation”.

He urged both National and County Government leaders, alongside the private sector, civil society and development partners, to translate the conference resolutions into tangible action, with progress to be monitored every six months over the next two years.

CoG Chief Whip and Nandi Governor Stephen Sang expressed gratitude to delegates, development partners and the host County for their contributions to the success of the conference. “The spirit of partnership and unity we have witnessed here in Homa Bay is the true driver of people-centered devolution. These resolutions will only matter if we walk together to translate them into action in our Counties,” he said, noting that collaboration among leaders was a clear demonstration of Kenya’s collective commitment to equity and inclusion.

The three-day forum brought together policymakers, leaders from across the country, development partners and grassroots representatives to reflect on Kenya’s devolution journey and chart a path for stronger fiscal discipline, inclusivity and resilience. The Final day of the conference centered on one of the most pressing questions for Kenya’s devolved system of governance – how to finance equity and inclusion in a way that leaves no County behind and ensures effective equitable service delivery.

“Funds should follow functions and where the funds are held by the National Government agencies, they should be released to Counties,” reiterated Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga.

During the closing ceremony, the Council of Governors (CoG) in collaboration with Food4Education launched the model pre-primary school feeding policy for County Governments. The policy seeks to institutionalize school meals within County planning and financing frameworks, recognizing that hunger remains a major barrier to learning for many children, especially from vulnerable backgrounds. By ensuring that every child has access to nutritious meals in school, the policy is expected to improve attendance, enhance concentration and promote better learning outcomes.

There were key resolutions arrived at during the conference across various sectors. On Early Childhood Development (ECD) services, both levels of Government, working with education, health and agriculture stakeholders, committed to scaling up financing for ECD as the foundation for long-term growth. The private sector was also challenged to scale up partnerships with Counties as Kenya accelerates investments in value chains and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO). These efforts are expected to spur industrialization, create jobs and expand exports, positioning the country more firmly in regional and global markets.

Further, the Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee (IGRTC), National Treasury and the Commission on Revenue Allocation, in collaboration with Counties, must finalize the identification and transfer of attendant resources tied to devolved functions within three months. This would close lingering gaps that have slowed down service delivery since the transfer of functions was gazetted in December 2024.

Delegates further emphasized the importance of strengthening County-level capacity in public finance management. While Devolution has expanded opportunities for citizen participation, Counties must be equipped with stronger institutional and technical skills to translate resources into real development outcomes. Development partners and civil society organizations were urged to support capacity-building efforts that reinforce people-centered prosperity across Counties.

On matters of revenue generation, County Governments committed to enhancing their own-source revenue collection through automation of systems, a move expected to reduce leakages, broaden revenue bases and ensure local development needs are sustainably financed. In addition, both levels of Government were tasked with designing budgets that are not only inclusive but also responsive, guaranteeing equity, social rights and justice in line with the country’s development agenda.

The resolutions further directed increased financing of initiatives such as immunization and the use of drone technology, aimed at improving efficiency, equity and access to lifesaving services for vulnerable populations, while boosting resilience to climate-related shocks.

Delegates also welcomed a resolution requiring the Senate to establish more efficient mechanisms for processing conditional and unconditional grants, ensuring Counties can access funds in a timely manner without unnecessary bureaucratic delays. This, they said, would go a long way in resolving frustrations that have hampered County operations in recent years.