Uasin Gishu gubernatorial aspirant Willy Kiptarbei Kenei has intensified his grassroots engagements across the county as he seeks to build his political base ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Kenei, who is also the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Uasin Gishu Chapter Chairman, has in recent weeks stepped up meetings with residents, opinion leaders, businesspeople and community representatives as he advances his bid for the county’s top seat.

The businessman formally joined the gubernatorial race in August, adding his name to a growing list of politicians and professionals positioning themselves for the 2027 contest. His entry has brought a private-sector perspective to a race that is already attracting interest from several prominent figures.

Kenei has been presenting himself as a businessman and governance professional whose experience in the private sector can be applied to county administration, particularly in investment promotion, job creation, business development and service delivery.

His political message has largely focused on economic transformation, accountability, inclusivity and the creation of opportunities for young people and businesses across Uasin Gishu.

Grassroots mobilisation

In September, Kenei held a consultative meeting with more than 200 opinion leaders and residents from Kapbongo, Chebarus, Kapkakaron and Kapserton villages in Tuiyo, Kapseret Constituency.

The meeting was part of his efforts to engage residents directly and understand their concerns while explaining his proposed development agenda.

Kenei said residents were looking for leadership that would promote accountability, create opportunities and ensure that development benefits reach different parts of the county.

He has continued to use such grassroots meetings to sell his message of inclusive leadership while building relationships with community leaders ahead of the election.

His engagements have also extended to Kamagut Ward in Turbo Constituency, where he recently met opinion leaders at Sugoi Gaa.

During the meeting, Kenei outlined an agenda centred on strengthening public services, supporting farmers and local businesses, attracting investment and expanding opportunities for young people.

He has argued that Uasin Gishu has significant economic potential that can be unlocked through closer cooperation between the county government, the private sector and investors.

Investment and job creation

Investment attraction has emerged as one of the key components of Kenei’s political message.

As KNCCI Uasin Gishu chairman, he has consistently advocated for a stronger partnership between government and the private sector to improve the business environment and attract investors.

His recent visit to the Eldoret Export Processing Zone (EPZ) highlighted his focus on manufacturing and employment creation.

Kenei said construction of the modern industrial sheds at the EPZ was nearing completion and that the project could open opportunities for investors and create thousands of jobs once manufacturing operations begin.

He has linked industrialisation with opportunities for young people, arguing that attracting manufacturers and expanding local enterprises would help create employment while increasing economic activity in the county.

The EPZ project is also being promoted as part of efforts to strengthen Eldoret’s position as an investment and commercial hub in the North Rift. The Uasin Gishu County Government has similarly described the project as an opportunity to promote export-oriented industries, attract investment and support economic growth.

Business background

Kenei has built his public profile largely through business and trade advocacy.

He has served as chairman of KNCCI Uasin Gishu and has been involved in initiatives aimed at strengthening the relationship between the business community and government.

KNCCI records show his involvement in promoting trade, investment and business development in the county, including participation in the 2023 Devolution Conference held in Uasin Gishu.

He has also been involved in discussions on improving the business environment and attracting investors to the county.

In previous engagements, Kenei has called for closer cooperation between the private sector and county government, arguing that such partnerships can create opportunities for businesses while supporting local economic growth.

Eldoret City experience

Kenei has also been associated with the process that paved the way for Eldoret to attain city status.

He served as chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee on the conferment of city status on Eldoret and was involved in assessing the town’s readiness for elevation.

During the process, the committee considered infrastructure and other requirements, including roads, street lighting, markets, fire stations, waste management and disaster response capacity.

The experience has since become part of Kenei’s leadership record as he seeks to convince voters that his exposure to business, governance and development planning can be applied to running the county.

Youth and community empowerment

Beyond business and politics, Kenei has highlighted youth empowerment and community initiatives as part of his public record.

According to Uasin Gishu News, he has supported young people seeking education and employment opportunities abroad and has been involved in mentoring individuals to establish businesses.

He has also been associated with the Save A Life Initiative, which mobilised food valued at Sh15 million for distribution in Turkana County during the 2023/24 period. He also supported school fees for 50 students at Sosiani Secondary School in 2024.

His profile also includes service on school boards and involvement in community initiatives.

Kenei has argued that empowering young people requires creating opportunities both within the county and beyond, including skills development, employment and entrepreneurship.

Healthcare and service delivery

Healthcare and public service delivery also feature in Kenei’s proposed agenda.

He has spoken about the need for better-equipped health facilities, adequate medical supplies and improved emergency services.

His broader argument is that county leadership should focus on efficient management of public resources and ensure that essential services reach residents without unnecessary delays.

He has also proposed attention to mental health and rehabilitation services as part of a wider healthcare agenda.

A growing political contest

Kenei’s entry has added another contender to an increasingly active Uasin Gishu gubernatorial contest.

Among the other figures associated with the 2027 race are incumbent Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim, Tourism Principal Secretary Prof. Julius Bitok, businessman Zedekiah Buzeki and Competition Authority of Kenya Director General David Rotuk.

The contest is expected to attract further attention as political parties begin preparing for their nomination processes and aspirants intensify grassroots mobilisation.

A Politrack Africa survey reported in August placed Kenei among several individuals being considered in the gubernatorial contest. The survey was conducted at a particular point in time and reflects respondents' views during that period rather than a prediction of the election outcome.

For Kenei, however, the focus remains on building his profile through direct engagement with residents and presenting his experience in business, governance and investment as part of his case for the governorship.

As the 2027 election approaches, he is expected to continue touring different parts of Uasin Gishu, meeting community leaders and residents while refining and communicating his development agenda.

His campaign slogan, “Willy Kenei, Dawa ya Uasin Gishu,” encapsulates the message he is taking to voters as he seeks to transition from business and trade leadership into elective politics.

With the gubernatorial field continuing to develop, Kenei's growing grassroots activity is set to keep him in the spotlight as the political contest for Uasin Gishu enters a more active phase.