Uasin Gishu’s 2027 gubernatorial race has taken a dramatic turn after businessman and governance expert Willy K. Kenei officially declared his bid for the county’s top seat.

Kenei launched his gubernatorial campaign signalling his intention to move from years of business and institutional leadership into frontline elective politics.

His entry could significantly shake up the political equation in Uasin Gishu, with the businessman seeking to position himself as an alternative to the established political players already eyeing the governor’s office.

Kenei is not a newcomer to leadership.

He is a seasoned businessman, corporate governance professional and prominent voice in the North Rift business community.

For years, he has served as Chairman of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), Uasin Gishu Chapter, where he has aggressively championed the interests of traders, investors and entrepreneurs.

His political pitch is expected to revolve around economic transformation, investment, job creation, youth empowerment, accountable leadership and a business-friendly county government.

FROM BOARDROOMS TO THE POLITICAL ARENA

Kenei currently serves as a Board Director of the Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA), having been appointed in September 2023.

He also chairs the EPZA Strategy and Business Development Committee and the EPZA Pension Scheme.

Since February 2025, he has served as Chairperson of Ziwa Technical Training Institute, where he has pushed for stronger governance, modern training facilities, new courses and partnerships aimed at equipping young people with skills demanded by industry.

His supporters are likely to use the experience to make a case for a governor who understands both the private sector and public institutions.

THE MAN BEHIND ELDORET'S CITY STATUS PROCESS

Kenei also has a significant connection to one of Eldoret’s biggest milestones.

Between 2022 and 2023, he chaired the Ad-Hoc Committee on the Conferment of City Status to Eldoret Municipality.

The committee coordinated stakeholder engagement, public participation and the preparation of the report that advanced Eldoret's quest for city status.

His involvement in the process earned him considerable visibility among business leaders, professionals and other stakeholders in the county.

A BUSINESSMAN WITH NORTH RIFT ROOTS

Kenei has also built a name in the private sector.

He has been Director of Eldobase Chemists Ltd since 2012 and has been involved in growing the company into a major pharmaceutical distributor in the North Rift.

The company has created more than 40 employment opportunities under his leadership.

Before entering entrepreneurship, Kenei worked for major pharmaceutical firms including Sanofi Aventis Pharma, GlaxoSmithKline and Torrent/Medox Pharmaceuticals.

His experience spans sales, marketing, business development, market intelligence, customer relations and territory management.

YOUTH AND INVESTMENT AT THE CENTRE OF HIS CAMPAIGN

Kenei has been actively involved in initiatives seeking to connect young people with entrepreneurship, training and employment opportunities.

Through his KNCCI leadership, he has supported youth entrepreneurship programmes and partnerships that have exposed young people to business opportunities locally and internationally.

He has also been involved in major investment forums and business summits designed to attract investors to Eldoret and Uasin Gishu.

His campaign is therefore expected to heavily target the youth and business community, two critical voting blocs in the county.

CAN KENEI DISRUPT THE RACE?

The big question now is whether Kenei can successfully translate his extensive business and governance networks into political support across Uasin Gishu.

The county has traditionally been a politically competitive region, and the entry of a candidate with a strong private-sector profile could complicate calculations for other contenders.

Kenei enters the race portraying himself as a leader with experience beyond politics — a businessman who has managed institutions, created jobs, championed traders and participated in major development initiatives.

His message is likely to resonate with voters seeking an economic-focused leadership agenda.

But converting a successful boardroom career into a winning political campaign will require more than credentials.

Kenei will have to build a formidable grassroots political machinery, navigate the county's complex political networks and convince voters across all six constituencies that he is the leader capable of taking Uasin Gishu to the next level.