- In the heart of Kenya’s Rift Valley lies Nakuru County a place where politics and economics collide with dramatic intensity.
- As Nakuru moves forward under Governor Susan Kihika’s leadership, the county faces a defining test: can it break the “one term governor” curse and translate its economic dynamism into inclusive, sustainable progress?
In the heart of Kenya’s Rift Valley lies Nakuru County a place where politics and economics collide with dramatic intensity.
From its beginnings as a railway stop to its elevation as a city, Nakuru has become both a political battleground and an economic powerhouse. Its story is one of resilience, volatility, and transformation, making it one of Kenya’s most influential counties.
County Identity( Nakuru County Government)
• Motto/Tagline: “County of Unlimited Opportunities”
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• Area: ~7,509.5 km² (File 1) / ~7,496 km² (File 2)
• City Status: Nakuru has attained city status, cementing its role as a hub of growth and influence.
Demographics
• 2019 Census ( KPHC Official): 2,162,202 residents
• 2026 Estimates:
o Urban area: 471,000
o City + wider county projections: 809,825
• Constituencies: 11
• Wards: 55
Political Election History
2013 Gubernatorial Election
• Registered voters: ~695,319
• Turnout: 88%
• Governor Winner: Kinuthia Mbugua (Jubilee/TNA) — 470,495 votes (73%)
• Deputy: Joseph Kibore Rutto
• Runner up: Lawrence Bomett (ODM/CORD) — 119,965 votes
• Senator Winner: James Kiarie Mungai (Jubilee) — 299,948 votes
2017 Gubernatorial Election
• Registered voters: ~949,000
• Turnout: 75%
• Governor Winner: Lee Kinyanjui (Jubilee) — 599,961 votes (84%)
• Deputy: Dr. Erick Korir
• Runner up: Peter Kiplangat Koros (CCM) — 150,137 votes
• Senator Winner: Susan Kihika (Jubilee) — 641,533 votes (89.6%)
• Key Issues: Healthcare, roads, youth unemployment, water access, agriculture
2022 Gubernatorial Election (Certified IEBC Results)
• Registered voters: 1,054,856
• Turnout: ~66%
• Governor Winner: Susan Kihika (UDA) — 440,704 votes (64.58%)
• Deputy: David Kones
• Opponent: Lee Kinyanjui (Jubilee) — 225,623 votes
• Senator Winner: Tabitha Karanja (UDA) — 442,864 votes
• Opponent: Lawrence Karanja (Jubilee) — 163,625 votes
• Women Rep Winner: Liza Chelule (UDA) — 382,143 votes
• Opponent: Agnes Njambi (Jubilee) — 194,610 votes
Political Behavior
• One term governor trend:
o Kinuthia Mbugua (2013–2017) → voted out
o Lee Kinyanjui (2017–2022) → voted out
o Susan Kihika (2022–present) faces pressure to break the cycle
• Ethnic competition & coalition alignments: Elections often volatile, shaped by historical grievances and ethnic politics
Current Leadership (2022–2027)
• Governor: Susan Kihika (UDA)
• Deputy Governor: David Kones (UDA)
• Senator: Tabitha Karanja (UDA)
• Women Representative: Liza Chelule (UDA)
Members of Parliament (2022–2027)
- Molo – Francis Kuria Kimani (UDA)
- Njoro – Charity Kathambi (UDA)
- Naivasha – Charity Kathambi (UDA)
- Gilgil – Martha Wangari (UDA)
- Kuresoi South – Joseph Tonui (UDA)
- Kuresoi North – Alfred Mutai (UDA)
- Subukia – Alfred Mutai (UDA)
- Rongai – Paul Chebor (UDA)
- Nakuru Town West – Samuel Arama (Jubilee)
- Nakuru Town East – David Gikaria (UDA)
- Bahati- Irene Njoki (Jubilee)
Its economy thrives on agriculture, tourism, energy, and logistics, positioning it as a national powerhouse. Yet, persistent challenges from land conflicts to youth unemployment and climate stress, continue to fuel political tensions.
As Nakuru moves forward under Governor Susan Kihika’s leadership, the county faces a defining test: can it break the “one term governor” curse and translate its economic dynamism into inclusive, sustainable progress? The answer will shape not only Nakuru’s future but also Kenya’s broader political and economic trajectory.
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