Council of Governors Announces New Committee Leadership

The Council of Governors (CoG) has announced new changes in its executive and committee leadership positions for the next one year.

In a statement on Monday, CoG Chair Ahmed Abdullahi said the changes followed a meeting with governors, where new committee chairpersons were elected to strengthen coordination and promote effective service delivery across counties.

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa was elected Chairperson of the Finance, Planning, and Economic Affairs Committee, while Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Sharrif Nassir will now lead the Health Committee. Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka will head the Agriculture and Livestock Development Committee, and Vihiga Governor Wilber Ottichilo will chair the Environment, Forestry, and Climate Change Committee.

Nandi Governor Stephen Sang was picked to chair the Resource Mobilization and Partnership Committee, while Garissa Governor Nathif Adam will lead the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands and Disaster Risk Management Committee. Busia Governor Paul Otuoma was named Chair of the Blue Economy Committee, with Kericho Governor Erick Mutai taking charge of the Education Committee.

West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin will head the Gender, Youth, Sports, Culture, and Social Services Committee, while Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga was elected to lead the Human Resource, Labour, and Social Welfare Committee. Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich will chair the Information, Technology, and Communication Committee.

Other newly appointed committee chairs include Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko, who will lead the Legal, Constitutional Affairs, and Intergovernmental Relations Committee; Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o for Land, Housing, and Urban Development; Kisii Governor Simba Arati for Security and Foreign Affairs; and Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu for Tourism and Wildlife.

Nyandarua Governor Moses Kiarie will head the Trade and Cooperative Committee, Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi will lead the Transport, Infrastructure, and Energy Committee, while Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu will chair the Water and Natural Resources Management Committee.

Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi retained his position as the CoG Chairperson, with Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga continuing as Vice Chairperson and Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki serving as the Chief Whip.

The new executive team pledged to operationalize the Devolution Training Institute, implement the CoG’s 2022–2027 Strategic Plan, and strengthen their commitment to protecting devolution. They also vowed to fast-track the full transfer of devolved functions and increase membership in the Ugatuzi Sacco.