How Kihika’s New CoG Role Could Boost Nakuru’s Lands, Housing and Urban Development Agenda

By Suleiman Mbatiah

Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika has been elected chairperson of the Council of Governors’ (CoG) Committee on Lands, Housing and Urban Development, giving the county a stronger platform to shape national discussions on land management, affordable housing and urban planning.

Kihika was elected during the Council of Governors’ leadership elections held at Mövenpick Hotel in Westlands, Nairobi, earlier today. She takes over from Kisumu Governor Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o, who previously chaired the committee.

The appointment places Kihika at the center of discussions on policies affecting land administration, urban infrastructure, housing development and the management of rapidly growing towns across Kenya’s 47 counties.

In a social media statement following her election, Kihika thanked fellow governors for their confidence and pledged to advance the committee’s priorities.

“I thank my colleagues for their confidence and look forward to advancing sustainable urban development, affordable housing and effective land management,” she said.

Kihika’s election is significant for Nakuru, a county experiencing urban growth and facing longstanding land-related challenges, including historical land grievances involving marginalized community.

The National Land Commission has identified Nakuru among counties with outstanding historical land issues, particularly those affecting the Ogiek, Maasai, forest evictees and others facing historical land injustices.

As committee chairperson, Kihika will have an opportunity to coordinate governors’ positions on land policy and engage the national government and relevant institutions on measures to improve land administration and address challenges affecting county governments.

Nakuru City and other growing urban centers in the county face increasing demands for housing, roads, drainage, sanitation and other essential services. Coordinated policies and access to development funding will be important in ensuring that urban expansion is accompanied by adequate infrastructure and orderly land use.

“Together, we are ready to serve and deliver for Kenyans,” she added while congratulating the newly elected CoG Chairperson Muthomi Njuki – Tharaka Nihti Governor, Vice Chairperson Kenneth Lusaka – Bungoma Governor, and Whip Benjamin Cheboi – Baringo Governor and all the Chairpersons of the various COG Committees.

The portfolio could also provide Nakuru with a stronger voice in discussions on affordable housing, urban planning, infrastructure financing and the development of cities and municipalities.

Analysts say Kihika’s leadership could also help the county advance discussions on urban development financing and the implementation of policies designed to strengthen the capacity of cities and municipalities to deliver services.

“The appointment also gives Nakuru County an opportunity to bring county-level experiences into national policy discussions, particularly on historical land grievances, urban growth and the financing of municipal services,” said Rongai politician Kibet Komen.

The Council of Governors provides a platform for county governments to develop common positions on matters affecting devolution and engage the national government on policy and implementation challenges.