NAIROBI, Kenya – Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi has been elected the new chair of the Council of Governors (CoG), succeeding Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, who has held the position for two consecutive terms.
Abdullahi’s election took place during the CoG’s leadership vote at Nairobi’s Safari Park Hotel, where Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga was also elected as vice chair.
The election, involving all 47 governors, ushered in new leadership tasked with guiding the council over the next two years.
Among their priorities is overseeing the implementation of the new Social Health Insurance Fund, a crucial component of the government’s healthcare reforms.
Abdullahi emerged victorious in a contest that saw him face off against notable competitors, including Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki, Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku, and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.
In his acceptance speech, Abdullahi acknowledged the strides made by his predecessors, including Waiguru, and vowed to build on their achievements to strengthen devolution.
He brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously served as the CoG vice chair and holding a robust background in finance and governance.
A two-term governor, Abdullahi’s journey in public service began in 2013 when he was first elected to lead Wajir County.
His first term was marked by significant development projects, particularly in healthcare and infrastructure, where he is credited with initiating Wajir’s first tarmac road and enhancing water resource management in the arid county.
His leadership earned him recognition as one of the best-performing governors by the World Bank and saw him awarded the prestigious Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya.
However, Abdullahi’s political career has not been without challenges. After losing his re-election bid in 2017 to Jubilee’s Mohamed Abdi Mohamud, he made a remarkable comeback in the 2022 polls, reclaiming the Wajir gubernatorial seat.
His victory was contested, but the Supreme Court dismissed the petition in May 2023, upholding Abdullahi’s election in line with earlier rulings from the Court of Appeal.
Abdullahi’s election took place during the CoG’s leadership vote at Nairobi’s Safari Park Hotel, where Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga was also elected as vice chair.
The election, involving all 47 governors, ushered in new leadership tasked with guiding the council over the next two years.
Among their priorities is overseeing the implementation of the new Social Health Insurance Fund, a crucial component of the government’s healthcare reforms.
Abdullahi emerged victorious in a contest that saw him face off against notable competitors, including Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki, Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku, and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.
In his acceptance speech, Abdullahi acknowledged the strides made by his predecessors, including Waiguru, and vowed to build on their achievements to strengthen devolution.
He brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously served as the CoG vice chair and holding a robust background in finance and governance.
A two-term governor, Abdullahi’s journey in public service began in 2013 when he was first elected to lead Wajir County.
His first term was marked by significant development projects, particularly in healthcare and infrastructure, where he is credited with initiating Wajir’s first tarmac road and enhancing water resource management in the arid county.
His leadership earned him recognition as one of the best-performing governors by the World Bank and saw him awarded the prestigious Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya.
However, Abdullahi’s political career has not been without challenges. After losing his re-election bid in 2017 to Jubilee’s Mohamed Abdi Mohamud, he made a remarkable comeback in the 2022 polls, reclaiming the Wajir gubernatorial seat.
His victory was contested, but the Supreme Court dismissed the petition in May 2023, upholding Abdullahi’s election in line with earlier rulings from the Court of Appeal.
