Nestled in Kenya's South Rift, Bomet County is renowned for its endless tea plantations, thriving dairy industry, and rich Kipsigis heritage. Beyond its agricultural success lies a competitive political landscape shaped by devolution, land ownership debates, and the livelihoods of thousands of smallholder farmers. These forces continue to influence elections, governance, and development across the county.

Governor, Bomet County H.E.Prof. Hillary Barchok, EGH .PHOTO | COURTESY/: Bomet County Website
Bomet's history traces back to the Kipsigis people's early settlement in the South Rift. Formerly part of Kericho District, it became a separate district in 1992 and officially attained county status under Kenya's 2010 Constitution.

Demographics​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Framework
Area: 2507.1 kilometers
2019 Census Population Report: 875,689 people

Political Landscape: 2013–2022

2013 General Election
   Gubernatorial Race
  Winner: Isaac Ruto (United Republican Party) – 136,377 votes
  Runner-up: Dr Julius Kones (Kenya National Congress) – 74,272 votes
   Senatorial Race
  Winner: Prof. Wilfred Rotich Lesan (United Republican Party) – 115,931 votes
  Runner-up: Nick Salat (Kenya African National Union) – 98,036 votes

2017 General Election
   Gubernatorial Race
  Winner: Dr Joyce Laboso (Jubilee Party) – 175,932 votes
  Runner-up: Isaac Ruto (Chama Cha Mashinani) – 85,863 votes
   Senatorial Race
  Winner: Dr Christopher Andrew Langat (Jubilee Party) – 140,396 votes
  Runner-up: Nick Salat (Kenya African National Union) – 100,506 votes

Following her tragic passing from cancer in 2019, her Deputy Governor, Prof. Hillary Barchok, was sworn in as the second governor.

2022 General Election
   Gubernatorial Race
  Winner: Prof. Hillary Barchok (United Democratic Alliance) – 158,798 votes
  Runner-up: Isaac Ruto (Chama Cha Mashinani) – 137,323 votes
   Senatorial Race
  Winner: Hillary Kiprotich Sigei (United Democratic Alliance) – 237,192 votes
  Runner-up: Wilson Sossion (Independent) – 36,876 votes

Small farmers were the main voters in the local election, so the elected officials were expected to fight on their behalf through tea price reforms, the supply of agricultural materials, and raising concerns with multinational companies about fair use of land.

CONSTITUENCYMPsPARTY
Bomet Central Richard Kilel UDA
Bomet EastRichard YegonUDA
Sotik Francis Sigei UDA
Konoin Brighton Yegon UDA
Chepalungu Victor KoechCCM
Agriculture and Economy
Bomet County is home to large multinational tea estates and smallholder farms that manage vast fields alongside local processors. Small farms, dairy cattle raising, and sweet potato production constitute the main activities locals rely on, for better or worse, for part of their livelihoods.

Tea, sugar, and coffee estates have been part of the region since its colonial days and are now owned by large multinational corporations. In addition to working for big companies, locals also maintain smaller tea gardens on the side.

In addition, the Bomet County Assembly has introduced several legislative motions that they will push to review the land lease agreements signed with multinational companies.
The county is constantly balancing the need to protect its environment with the demands for development.

There is an ongoing effort by the county government and stakeholders to implement the Kenya Land Law No. L.9 of 2016 (the Land Act). This legislation, among other things, recognizes the right of persons to occupy and customarily make use of land through oral agreement.

Other developmental priorities for the county include building urban tarmac roads, upgrading healthcare facilities, and the safeguarding of ecosystems in the Mau Forest complex.

These measures are expected to change the dynamics of governance and decision-making processes within the county in the near ​‍​‌‍​‍‌future.

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