Turkana Governor Josephat Nanok (pictured) was yesterday elected as the new Council of Governors (COG) Chairman to replace Peter Munya whose term has ended after serving for two years.

Nanok becomes the third governor to hold the seat after Peter Munya and Bomet governor Isaac Ruto.

Taita Taveta Governor John Mruttu retained the deputy chairman’s position while William Kabogo is the new chief whip, replacing Ukur Yattani of Marsabit County.

In his acceptance speech, Nanok stated that the influence of the COG in government has grown substantially.

“Our influence in government affairs has grown substantially in recent years, a result of persistent and well-considered work and thanks to a dedicated team of Governors and a very capable Secretariat. We are rapidly realizing our mission of becoming a global benchmark of excellence in devolution that is non-partisan,” he said.

“I will do all that is within my power to push the devolution agenda forward. I am going to work with all the stakeholders in devolution. I have seen the benefits in partnerships and understand that they enable us amplify our effectiveness. We will source for alliances where practical. We will promote teamwork and mutually beneficial outcomes. I thank you” Nanok said.

Former Council of Governors chair praised

Governor Munya highlighted his achievements as the council of governors chairman which include; signing an agreement with the National Treasury to allow county governments to get conditional grants from donors directly from the National Treasury, rather than through the Ministries.

“This allows counties to avoid perennial shortages and protects the distinctness of the county governments,” Munya said.

“In March 2016, the Kenya Devolution Support Programme-for Results was approved by the World Bank. The World Bank approved an International Development Association (IDA) credit of US$200 million for the programme, which is aimed at boosting the delivery of devolved services to citizens in the counties, with particular emphasis on these five core sectors: public finance management systems: human resource management; planning and monitoring and evaluation systems; civic education and public participation, and intergovernmental relations,” he added.

Munya added that under his tenure, COG managed to get $191.1 million from the World Bank to support the Transforming Health Systems for Universal Care project.

“The project seeks to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and quality of primary health care services for reduced health costs, increased workforce participation and increased productivity,” he said.