The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Newly elected Council of Governors (CoG) chair Muthomi Njuki has set a target of at least Sh500 billion for counties, saying he will push for more resources even as he keeps close political ties with President William Ruto’s government.
Njuki, who is also the Tharaka Nithi governor, said his commitment would be to the needs of the council rather than the party on whose ticket he was elected. He said county functions had kept expanding while funding failed to keep pace, forcing governors to negotiate for extra allocations every year.
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The council is targeting a minimum of half a trillion shillings, he said, to cover devolved functions that remain largely unfunded.
He named the National Assembly as a major sticking point in devolution talks, saying disputes over funding and institutional power had repeatedly slowed progress. He pledged to engage Parliament’s leadership to improve relations, arguing that devolution benefits all Kenyans and should be supported where financial decisions are made. The new leadership would seek a more cordial relationship with MPs, he said, while staying firm on the resources counties need.
Njuki sought to assure fellow governors that his ties to the Kenya Kwanza administration would not stop him from challenging decisions that disadvantage counties. He acknowledged that governors often clash with the national government over allocations, but said such differences should not undermine the shared duty to improve lives. He pledged to be as firm as required to protect devolution, adding that President Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki had shown willingness to listen when disagreements arise.
He said he would prioritise the council’s mandate in the remaining months of the current governors’ term, even as parties prepare for the 2027 General Election. He also pledged to press the National Treasury to speed up the release of funds for donor-supported programmes run by counties, warning that delays could stall ongoing projects and hurt governors nearing the end of their terms. He called for the proposed Agri-Connect Compact programme to start earlier, suggesting its funding be included in the December supplementary budget, and promised to work with the CoG secretariat to help counties meet donor conditions on time.
Njuki succeeds Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, who completed two consecutive one-year terms. Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka will serve as deputy chairperson, while Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi retains the whip position.
