Eldas MP Adan Keynan speaking on Wednesday./STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Eldas MP Adan Keynan has called on the new leadership of the Council of Governors (CoG) to strengthen intergovernmental cooperation and safeguard the constitutional gains of devolution.
The MP also urged them to champion for the autonomy of county governments to improve service delivery and promote inclusive development.
Keynan said the new leadership had an opportunity to reinforce devolution as a cornerstone of democratic governance, equitable resource distribution and socio-economic transformation at the grassroots.
On Monday, Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki and Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka were elected chairperson and deputy chairperson of the council, respectively.
Speaking on Wednesday, the long-serving legislator challenged the new leadership to prioritise the institutional and financial empowerment of counties as they assumed their new responsibilities.
He said effective devolution required strong county institutions, adequate financial resources and closer collaboration between the national and county governments to ensure development reached all communities equitably.
“As you assume this pivotal mandate, may your stewardship fortify intergovernmental cooperation, safeguard the constitutional gains of devolution and champion the autonomy, fiscal empowerment and institutional capacity of county governments for more responsive service delivery and inclusive development,” Keynan said.
The MP expressed confidence that the incoming leadership would build on the progress made in strengthening devolution while addressing challenges that continued to affect the effective functioning of county governments.
He said the new team should use its mandate to advance a system of governance that empowers counties to respond more effectively to residents' needs through improved service delivery, equitable resource distribution and stronger institutions.
Keynan added that the success of devolution depended on a sustained commitment to its constitutional foundations and a shared determination by the two levels of government to work together in the interests of Kenyans.
“May your tenure herald a renewed era of robust devolution, empowered counties and shared prosperity for all Kenyans,” he said.
Njuki was elected to lead the council for approximately eight months, succeeding outgoing chairperson and Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi.
He will work alongside Lusaka, while Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi was elected the council's whip, completing the executive leadership for the 2026–2027 period.
In his acceptance remarks, Njuki thanked his fellow governors for entrusting him with the responsibility.
He described the election as an expression of confidence in his leadership and a reflection of the principle that any of Kenya's 47 governors could lead the institution.
“From the outset, with a lot of humility and a profound sense of responsibility, I accept the privilege that has been given by my fellow governors this afternoon. I accept to be the chairperson of the Council of Governors,” he said.
Njuki acknowledged the demanding responsibilities ahead and pledged to work collectively with his colleagues to advance devolution and improve service delivery during his limited tenure.
“I agree with our responsibilities for eight or so months. I agree with my colleagues that we shall work together to deliver them,” he said.
He thanked the governors for the confidence they had placed in him, noting that the opportunity to lead the council was open to every county chief.
His election comes at a critical point for devolution, with county governments playing a central role in delivering essential services and implementing development programmes tailored to local needs.
The new leadership is expected to provide direction on issues affecting county administrations while strengthening engagement with the national government on matters of shared responsibility, including the financing of devolved functions and the implementation of development priorities.
Outgoing chairperson Abdullahi expressed gratitude to his fellow governors and the council's secretariat for their support during his tenure.
He acknowledged that the progress achieved had depended on collective effort.
He also urged the secretariat to extend the same support to his successor, emphasising the importance of institutional continuity during the leadership transition.
“I leave this office with gratitude, but my commitment to devolution remains unwavering. Titles may change, and leadership may transition, but the responsibility to defend devolution, strengthen our institutions and improve the lives of our people must endure. The office is temporary; the legacy we build must outlive us,” he said.
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CoG chair Muthomi Njuki./courtesy
