By GPC News Desk

Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki has been elected chairperson of the Council of Governors (CoG), taking over the leadership of the body representing Kenya’s 47 county governments for the 2026–2027 term.

Njuki was unanimously elected alongside Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka, who becomes vice-chairperson, and Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi, who takes up the position of council whip.

The three will lead the council’s executive leadership as governors assume new responsibilities across its sectoral committees.

Njuki, who also serves as vice-chairperson of the Council of Governors in the outgoing leadership, is expected to steer the council’s engagement with the national government and other stakeholders on matters affecting devolution and county administration.

Lusaka returns to a key leadership position in the council, while Cheboi joins the top executive team as whip.

The newly elected leadership will serve during the 2026–2027 term, with governors assigned portfolios covering finance, health, agriculture, education, climate change, infrastructure and other areas of county governance.

Governors assigned committee portfolios

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa will chair the Finance, Planning and Economic Affairs Committee, while Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Shariff Nassir takes charge of the Health Committee.

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru will lead the Agriculture and Livestock Development Committee, with Vihiga Governor Wilber Ottichilo heading the Environment, Forestry and Climate Change Committee.

Nandi Governor Stephen Sang will chair the Resource Mobilisation and Partnerships Committee, while Garissa Governor Nathif J. Adam takes charge of the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands and Disaster Risk Management Committee.

Busia Governor Paul Otwoma will lead the Blue Economy Committee, while Kericho Governor Erick Mutai heads the Education Committee.

Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma has been assigned the Gender, Youth, Sports, Culture and Social Services Committee, while Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga will chair the Human Resources, Labour and Social Welfare Committee.

Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wesley Rotich will lead the Information, Technology and Communication (ICT) and Knowledge Management Committee, with Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika taking charge of the Land, Housing and Urban Development Committee.

Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko will chair the Legal, Constitutional Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations Committee, while Samburu Governor Jonathan Lati Lelelit heads the Security and Foreign Affairs Committee.

Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu will lead the Tourism and Wildlife Committee, while Nyandarua Governor Moses Badilisha Kiaria takes charge of the Trade and Cooperatives Committee.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja will chair the Transport, Infrastructure and Energy Committee, while Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu heads the Water and Natural Resource Management Committee.

The new leadership and committee appointments place governors at the centre of the council’s work on shared policy priorities, intergovernmental relations and the delivery of county services during the coming year.