NAIROBI, Kenya – Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki has been elected the new chairperson of the Council of Governors (CoG), succeeding Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, who has completed two terms in the position.
Njuki was elected on Monday, October 12, 2026, during a full council meeting held at a hotel in Nairobi.
He previously served as the council’s vice chairperson and will now lead the body for an initial one-year term.
Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka was elected deputy chairperson and will also serve a one-year term.
Both Njuki and Lusaka are eligible for re-election for a further one-year term.
Njuki Takes Over After Abdullahi’s Two Terms
Njuki assumes leadership of the council following Abdullahi’s tenure, during which the Wajir governor served two terms as chairperson.
The transition comes as the council continues to coordinate county governments, represent their shared interests and engage the national government on matters affecting devolution.
More details on the new leadership and its priorities are expected to emerge following the council meeting.
Abdullahi was first elected chairperson in October 2024 and re-elected in October 2025, serving two consecutive one-year terms.
Under Section 19 of the Intergovernmental Relations Act, No. 2 of 2012, the Council of Governors elects its chairperson and vice chairperson from among the 47 elected county governors.
The positions are held for one year, with eligibility for one additional term.
The elections will usher in a new chairperson to lead the council’s engagement with the national government and coordinate the collective priorities of county administrations.
What The Council Of Governors Does
Established under the Intergovernmental Relations Act, the CoG provides a platform for governors to consult on issues affecting counties, share information on service delivery and promote best practices in implementing devolved functions.
Its mandate includes addressing disputes between counties, facilitating capacity building for governors, monitoring inter-county projects and considering matters of common interest to county governments.
The council also operates through sectoral committees and working groups chaired by governors. These bodies coordinate county positions on policy issues and provide a forum for engagement on matters affecting devolution.
