Kenya elected a new crop of county governors during the 2022 general election. These leaders are now at the helm of the 47 counties across the country, as outlined in the 2010 Constitution. County governors hold great power in managing development, budgeting, and service delivery in their regions. This new list features a blend of political heavyweights, fresh faces, and a few independents. From Nairobi to Turkana, Kenyans picked governors based on party strength, regional dynamics, and candidate popularity. The elected governors in Kenya are now tasked with turning campaign promises into action. With development, devolution, and service delivery high on the agenda, Kenyans expect improved performance at the county level. [Photo: Courtesy] Overview of Elected Governors In Kenya Governors are elected to serve five-year terms. Their roles include implementing county legislation, managing county resources, and leading the executive arm of county governments.
The 2022 general election saw political parties like UDA, ODM, and Wiper dominate the gubernatorial races. A few independent candidates and smaller parties also secured wins, showing the maturity of Kenya’s multiparty democracy.
Below is the updated list of the elected governors in Kenya by county and party affiliation. Coast Region Governors Mombasa – Abdullswamad Nassir (ODM) Kwale – Fatuma Achani (UDA) Kilifi – Gideon Mung’aro (ODM) Tana River – Dhadho Godhana (ODM) Lamu – Issa Timamy (ANC) Taita Taveta – Andrew Mwadime (Independent) This region showed strong support for ODM, though UDA and ANC also made a mark. Andrew Mwadime’s win as an independent in Taita Taveta is notable. Northern and North Eastern Governors Garissa – Nathif Jama (ODM) Wajir – Ahmed Abdullahi (ODM) Mandera – Mohamed Adan Khalif (UDM) Marsabit – Mohamud Ali (ODM) Isiolo – Abdi Hassan Guyo (Jubilee) Northern Kenya largely backed ODM, though Jubilee and UDM also gained footholds. These counties are key to national cohesion due to their size and location. Eastern Region Governors Meru – Kawira Mwangaza (Independent) Tharaka Nithi – Muthomi Njuki (UDA) Embu – Cecily Mbarire (UDA) Kitui – Julius Malombe (Wiper) Machakos – Wavinya Ndeti (Wiper) Makueni – Mutula Kilonzo (Wiper) Wiper Party performed strongly in the Eastern region, while UDA captured the Mt. Kenya East counties. Independent candidate Kawira Mwangaza also made history in Meru. Central Kenya Governors Nyandarua – Moses Badilisha Kiarie (UDA) Nyeri – Mutahi Kahiga (UDA) Kirinyaga – Anne Waiguru (UDA) Murang’a – Irungu Kang’ata (UDA) Kiambu – Kimani Wamatangi (UDA) UDA swept all five Central Kenya counties, cementing its control of the Mt. Kenya region. Rift Valley Governors Turkana – Jeremiah Lomurkai (ODM) West Pokot – Simon Kachapin (UDA) Samburu – Jonathan Lati Leleliit (UDA) Trans-Nzoia – George Natembeya (DAP-K) Uasin Gishu – Jonathan Bii Chelilim (UDA) Elgeyo-Marakwet – Wisley Rotich (UDA) Nandi – Stephen Sang (UDA) Baringo – Benjamin Cheboi (UDA) Laikipia – Joshua Irungu (UDA) Nakuru – Susan Kihika (UDA) Narok – Patrick Ole Ntutu (UDA) Kajiado – Joseph Ole Lenku (ODM) Kericho – Erick Kipkoech Mutai (UDA) Bomet – Hillary Barchok (UDA) Rift Valley remains a stronghold for UDA, dominating most counties. However, ODM retained Turkana and Kajiado, while DAP-K claimed Trans-Nzoia. Western and Nyanza Governors Kakamega – Fernandes Barasa (ODM) Vihiga – Wilber Ottichilo (ODM) Bungoma – Ken Lusaka (Ford Kenya) Busia – Paul Otuoma (ODM) Siaya – James Orengo (ODM) Kisumu – Anyang’ Nyong’o (ODM) Homa Bay – Gladys Wanga (ODM) Migori – Ochillo Ayacko (ODM) Kisii – Simba Arati (ODM) Nyamira – Amos Nyaribo (UPA) ODM remains dominant in the Nyanza region. Bungoma stood out by electing Ford Kenya’s Ken Lusaka. UPA managed to hold Nyamira. Nairobi City County Nairobi – Johnson Sakaja (UDA) Kenya’s capital elected Johnson Sakaja on a UDA ticket, ending the reign of Jubilee-backed leadership. Nairobi is crucial for national politics due to its economic weight. Summary of Party Performance UDA – 22 governors ODM – 16 governors Wiper – 3 governors Independent – 2 governors ANC – 1 governor Jubilee – 1 governor DAP-K – 1 governor Ford Kenya – 1 governor UDM – 1 governor UPA – 1 governor Key Takeaways UDA has the highest number of governors, giving it an advantage in the Council of Governors. ODM retains influence in the Coast, Northern Kenya, and Nyanza. Independent candidates made surprising wins in Meru and Taita Taveta. Women made history, with several female governors like Gladys Wanga, Anne Waiguru, Kawira Mwangaza, Cecily Mbarire, and Wavinya Ndeti taking office. The 2022 elections revealed shifting political loyalties and increased voter awareness. As these governors take office, their leadership will shape the future of counties and influence national politics in the coming years.