CoG chair race heats up as five governors seek top seat

Five governors are set to contest for the chairmanship of the Council of Governors (CoG) after submitting their nomination papers ahead of the election slated for Monday, October 7, 2024.

The candidates cleared for the race include Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, and Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki.

In addition, two governors have expressed interest in the position of CoG deputy chairperson: Wavinya Ndeti (Machakos) and Irungu Kang'ata (Murang'a).

According to a notice signed by the outgoing chairperson, Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, the election will take place during an ordinary meeting scheduled at 10 am.

The venue has been set at the CoG offices at the Ugatuzi Boardroom, 11th floor.

“Notice is hereby given that in terms of Section 21(2) of the Intergovernmental Relations Act 2012 and Clause 4 of the Schedule, an ordinary meeting of the Council of Governors will be held on Monday, October 7, 2024,” reads the notice.

The meeting will also address the selection of the host region for the 9th Devolution Conference, set for 2025, as well as the election of the deputy chairperson, whip, and other committee positions.

Among the key issues the candidates plan to address is the timely disbursement of funds to counties.

Abdullahi emphasised that delays in county disbursements have crippled essential services, affecting local economies and the revenue stream for the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).

"When you delay payment of employees, it affects remittances to KRA as well as pension schemes. Delaying payment to suppliers also impacts the local economy. Timely disbursement of funds will boost counties and help generate more revenue for KRA," he said.

Constitutional framework

Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga said there's a need for the CoG to be enshrined in law, noting that this would help push the governors' agenda through a constitutional framework.

"The CoG is not currently enshrined in law. This will be my first priority. Devolved functions such as health, water, and agriculture need legal backing," Kahiga said.

Meanwhile, Joseph Ole Lenku, who stepped down in the 2022 election to allow Waiguru to become the first female CoG chair, reiterated that it was now his time to lead.

"I am seeking the COG position for the second time. A new team is coming in, and I believe it is time for me to take over," Lenku said.

He also stressed the importance of consensus in the election, noting that the ability to gather support from fellow governors is crucial.

"Consensus is determined by how many colleagues you convince that you will take the lobby forward," he added.

Previous chairpersons of the CoG include Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto (2013-2015), Meru Governor Peter Munya (2015-2017), Turkana Governor Josephat Nanok (2017-2019), Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya (2019-2021), Embu Governor Martin Wambora (2021-2022), and Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru (2022-2024).

The council has played a pivotal role in shaping the devolution agenda in Kenya, with each chair contributing to the advancement of county functions.