Belgut is Kericho County’s most important agricultural and economic centre, and home to the local offices of many institutions. This constituency, to the west and south of Kericho Town, covers roughly 264 km² (down from 517 km² after the Sigowet-Soin constituency was created in 2013) and accommodates a rural-urban population of around 145,000.
Political landscape: 2013-2022
2013 General Election
In the context of the 2010 Constitution, which introduced many constitutional powers at the local level, Belgut’s boundary was historically modified, thereby separating the two constituencies. The major political parties’ local supporters dominated elections after outgoing MP Charles Keter took a seat in the Senate.
Winner: Erick Keter (KANU) – 22,971 votes
Runner-Up: Nelson Koech (URP) – 17,543 votes
2017 General Election
Along with the countrywide Jubilee Party wave, local voters were eager to give fresh leadership. They selected a very energetic supporter of the South Rift people as their Member of Parliament.
Winner: Nelson Koech (Jubilee Party) – 34,293 votes
Runner-Up: Erick Keter (Independent) – 18,171 votes
2022 General Election
As the ruling United Democratic Alliance candidate supported by the aggressive yellow campaign colour, the current Member of Parliament solidified the position of one of the important faces in the national political scene by winning for the second time.
Winner: Nelson Koech (UDA) – 45,861 votes
Runner-Up: Raymond Cheruiyot (KANU) – 9,812 votes
Members of County Assembly (MCAs) by ward
| WARD | MCAs | PARTY |
| Kabianga/Chemamul | Dominic Mutai | UDA |
| Waldai | Julius Siele | UDA |
| Chaik | Mathew Korir | UDA |
| Seretut/Cheptororiet | Haron K. Rotich | UDA |
| Kapsuser | Peter Kemoi | UDA |
Since 2017, the main party governing the country has been this area’s loyal supporters. The population leans towards a continuation of their ruling as they perceive ruling coalitions in the country as their representatives at the national level. In terms of production and institutions, it is more of a rural constituency, while urban or opposition-leaning areas are excluded from this area.
Industry and Infrastructures
Belgut is the seat of many large commercial tea plantations, operated by both multinational firms and small factories like Tegat and Momul. Due to the University of Kabianga, Kabianga and Sosiot witness an influx and real estate development driven by its student population, and the Belgut Technical Training Institute continues to be a major vocational centre respected in the area.
The competition for MP in 2027 will likely rest on support for tea prices, infrastructure and education. Since the constituency is fairly politically homogeneous and representative, its local results are likely to coincide closely with the broader political trends within the South Rift.
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