Turkana Governor Josephat Nanok has been elected as the new Council of Governors Chairman. Nanok replaces Meru Governor Peter Munya whose term has come to an end after serving for two years.
In elections held on Monday, Taita Taveta Governor John Mruttu will retain the deputy chairman post while William Kabogo of Kiambu is the chief whip.
Munya was elected as chairman two years ago and he had different duties. He was in charge of the council’s fund contributed by County governments and donor organizations. Munya in his speech said that the council has so far organized the third and fourth annual devolution conferences, the conferences are intended to give stakeholders an opportunity to see through various projects.
Munya further added that the Council of Governors’ aim is to ensure that equitable and sharing of national allocations is done appropriately and called on the incoming officials to ensure that transparency and accountability are maintained in resource allocations. This will, in turn, cohesion and inclusiveness.
In attendance also was the Chief Justice Dr David Maraga. The Chief Justice commended the Council of Governors for the tremendous work they have done so far and called on the new elects to raise the standards and make the system a good one.
The Chief Justice listed a number of achievements the judiciary has done in partnership with the Ministry of Devolution, which include; Instituting measures to support devolution, Waivering of court fees by county governments, Construction of court houses in every County and promotion of local level constructing team.
The Chief Justice also added that the judiciary together with the Ministry of Devolution will establish the High Court duties in all other remaining Counties by December 2018 and called on all Kenyans to support magistrates and staffs working in all Counties.
In his closing remarks, the outgoing chairman said successful devolution requires a joint effort of both the national and the County governments.
