Kenya CoG: Leadership Election Underway for New Chairperson

• Kenya's Council of Governors is meeting in Nairobi to elect new leadership, including a chairperson, vice chairperson, and committee chairs.
• The election follows Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi's completion of his maximum two terms as chairperson.
• The CoG's leadership terms are one year, with eligibility for one re-election, as stipulated by Section 19 of the Intergovernmental Relations Act 2012.
• The new leadership will guide county priorities like financing and service delivery and represent collective county interests to the national government.
• Legal professionals should monitor the new leadership for potential shifts in policy and intergovernmental strategies affecting devolved functions.

Lawyers advising county governments, national agencies, or businesses operating across counties should closely monitor the new Council of Governors leadership for potential shifts in policy priorities, intergovernmental engagement strategies, and approaches to devolved functions, which could significantly impact legal advice and compliance.

The Council of Governors (CoG) is currently holding a crucial meeting in Nairobi to elect its new leadership team. This gathering, taking place at the Mövenpick Hotel in Westlands on October 12, marks a significant transition as Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi concludes his tenure as chairperson. His departure follows the completion of the maximum two terms permitted for the role.

Governors are convening to select not only the next chairperson but also a new vice chairperson and a Whip. Additionally, the meeting will determine the chairs for the various technical committees that underpin the Council's operations. This election is poised to redefine the executive leadership of the CoG and the individuals who will guide its specialized working groups for the upcoming year.

The framework governing these elections and the broader operations of the Council of Governors is enshrined in the Intergovernmental Relations Act (No. 2 of 2012). Specifically, Section 19 of this Act mandates that the CoG's chairperson and vice chairperson must be elected from among the 47 sitting county governors. These key leadership positions are held for a single one-year term, with the possibility of re-election for one additional consecutive term, a provision that directly led to the current leadership transition.

The Council itself was established under the same Intergovernmental Relations Act, serving as a vital platform for county executives. Its core purpose is to facilitate consultation among governors on issues pertinent to their respective counties, foster the exchange of information regarding service delivery, and champion best practices in the execution of devolved functions across Kenya.

Beyond its consultative role, the CoG's comprehensive mandate extends to several critical areas. It is tasked with addressing and resolving disputes that may arise between different counties, thereby promoting harmonious inter-county relations. The Council also plays a crucial role in capacity building initiatives, designed to enhance the effectiveness of governors in their administrative duties. Furthermore, it monitors projects that span multiple counties and considers a wide array of matters that are of common interest to all county governments, ensuring a unified approach where necessary.

The operational structure of the Council relies heavily on its sectoral committees and working groups. These bodies are typically chaired by governors and are instrumental in coordinating the positions of counties on various policy matters. They also provide essential forums for engagement and discussion on issues central to the ongoing implementation and evolution of Kenya's devolution policy impact.

The incoming leadership of the Council of Governors faces the immediate task of steering these committees and cultivating consensus among the county executives. Their mandate will include advancing common priorities such as securing adequate county financing, improving service delivery mechanisms, and ensuring the effective implementation of devolved functions. The previous chairperson, Ahmed Abdullahi, was first elected in October 2024 and subsequently re-elected in October 2025, serving two one-year terms consecutively.

This leadership election is critical as it will determine who articulates and represents the collective interests of Kenya's counties in their ongoing engagement with the national government. The CoG is also legally bound to submit an annual report to the Intergovernmental Co-ordinating Summit, the Senate, the National Assembly, and county assemblies within three months following the end of each financial year. Lawyers advising county governments, national agencies, or businesses operating across counties should closely monitor the new Council of Governors leadership for potential shifts in policy priorities, intergovernmental engagement strategies, and approaches to devolved functions, which could significantly impact legal advice and compliance.

Lawyers advising county governments, national agencies, or businesses operating across counties should monitor the new Council of Governors leadership for potential shifts in policy priorities, intergovernmental engagement strategies, and approaches to devolved functions, which could impact legal advice and compliance.

Source: Original reporting via Capital FM Kenya.