Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi on Tuesday said that the third generation of governors is determined to deliver the full spirit of devolution as captured in the constitution.
Abdullahi was on Monday re-elected as the Deputy Chairperson of the Council of Governors for the term spanning from October 2023 to October 2024.
Speaking inNairobi, Abdullahi said as governors, they will collaborate with each other as they look forward to moving their respective counties forward on matters of development.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Council of Governors for bestowing their trust in me and affording me the privilege of serving them once again within this esteemed institution. Furthermore, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to Governor Anne Waiguru of Kirinyaga County for her re-election as the Chair of COG,” he said.
The governor said the position comes with immense responsibility but was quick to add that they are up to the task urging his fellow governors to strive to deliver on the promises they made to their electorates.
“In the last year, we have demonstrated that we are up to the task of offering leadership in the CoG. together with our colleagues, we believe we steer the wheels of devolution forward,” he said.
Abdullahi who described devolution as truly a Godsend said that he was determined to leave behind a rich legacy.
He said major development strides in key sectors like water, health, infrastructure, agriculture livestock as well as education have been realized.
Abdullahi who was elected on an ODM ticket is serving his second and last term.
He also happens to be the first governor from ASAL Counties to hold the highest position in the powerful council.
The governor also lauded the National government for fully supporting devolution saying stronger collaboration with the national government was critical in the CoG.
He was also quick to thank partners who have remained supportive of devolution singling out Northern Kenya which he said after decades of marginalization from successive governments was now ripping fruits of devolution.
During the election, most governors retained their positions at the council including Muthomi Njuki (Health), Energy, Roads, Transport and Infrastructure (Kimani Wamatangi), Finance, Planning and Economic Affairs (Fernandes Barasa), and Resource Mobilization and Partnerships (Cecily Mbarire).
Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu retained his position for Tourism and Wildlife, his Bungoma counterpart Kenneth Lusaka retained the Agriculture, Livestock and Cooperatives docket, Nathif Jama for Arid, Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL), Kisumu’s Anyang Nyong’o Disaster Management committee, Land, Housing and Urban Development and Issa Timamy the Blue Economy docket.
