Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki has been unveiled as the new Chairperson of the Council of Governors (CoG), succeeding Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, who has led the council since 2024.
Njuki will be deputised by Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka, while Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi takes up the position of Council Whip.
The new leadership assumes office at a critical time for Kenya’s 47 county governments, which continue to push for increased funding, timely disbursement of equitable share allocations and settlement of pending financial obligations.
The team is expected to strengthen the collective voice of county governments in negotiations with the national government, particularly on the implementation of devolution, resource allocation and the division of responsibilities between the two levels of government.
The Council of Governors provides a platform for governors to consult, coordinate policies and engage the national government on issues affecting service delivery and the functioning of county administrations.
Key areas expected to shape Njuki’s tenure include healthcare, agriculture, public service delivery and the financing of county operations.
Njuki, who is serving his second term as Tharaka Nithi Governor, first entered elective politics in 2013 after winning the Chuka/Igambang’ombe parliamentary seat, which he held until 2017.
He was elected governor in 2017 and retained the seat in the 2022 General Election on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket.
Before joining politics, Njuki worked as a teacher and businessman in the telecommunications sector. He holds a Bachelor of Education degree from Kenyatta University and a master’s degree in Entrepreneurship and Innovations Management from the University of Nairobi.
His deputy, Lusaka, previously served as Bungoma Governor from 2013 to 2017 before returning to office in 2022, bringing experience in county administration to the new leadership team.
The new officials are expected to champion county governments’ interests, strengthen cooperation among governors and push for the fulfilment of commitments made under Kenya’s devolved system of government.
Njuki succeeds a line of previous CoG chairpersons, including Isaac Rutto, Peter Munya, Josphat Nanok, Wycliffe Oparanya, Martin Wambora and Anne Waiguru.
His leadership will be closely watched as counties seek sustainable financing and stronger cooperation with the national government to improve service delivery and safeguard the gains made under devolution.
