Uasin Gishu gubernatorial aspirant Willy Kiptarbei Kenei joined President William Ruto at Eldoret State Lodge during the conferment of State Honours and Awards, an event recognising individuals for their distinguished service and contribution to the nation.

In a statement reflecting on his activities during the Mashujaa Day celebrations, Kenei said he had the opportunity to join the Head of State for the ceremony, which brought together leaders and other invited guests to honour individuals whose contributions have helped shape Kenya.

“Later, I joined H.E. President William Samoei Ruto at Eldoret State Lodge for the conferment of State Honours and Awards, recognising individuals for their distinguished service and contribution to our nation,” Kenei said.

His participation in the event comes as he continues to position himself as a contender for the Uasin Gishu governorship ahead of the 2027 General Election, with his campaign focusing on economic transformation, investment attraction, job creation and accountable leadership.

From Business Leadership to Politics

Kenei brings to the political contest a background spanning entrepreneurship, pharmaceutical sales, business management and institutional leadership.

According to a profile published by Vipasho News in September 2026, he studied Biochemistry at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree.

Kenei has also served in Many BOM as a board member previously including Teldet high school-Kesses ,Arnesens high school -Kesses ,Sosiani secondary school-Kesses where he paid full school fees for 60 students at  Sosiani secondary school and Currently serving as a Board member at St Anthony Boys high school,Kitale.

His professional career included working with pharmaceutical companies such as Torrent/Medox Pharmaceuticals, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Sanofi Aventis Pharma before turning his attention fully to entrepreneurship.

He founded Eldobase Chemists Limited in 2007 and later became actively involved in running and expanding the business, building experience in management, marketing, financial administration and employment creation.

Kenei has also served as chairman of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), Uasin Gishu Chapter, a position that has placed him at the centre of engagements involving traders, investors and entrepreneurs in the region. He previously served as the organisation's vice-chairman.

His leadership experience extends to the Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA), where he serves as a board director, and Ziwa Technical Training Institute, where he has served as chairperson of the institution's governing board.

Role in Eldoret's Elevation to City Status

One of Kenei's notable public assignments was chairing the Ad Hoc Committee on the Conferment of City Status to Eldoret Municipality between 2022 and 2023.

The committee coordinated stakeholder engagement and public participation during the process that culminated in Eldoret being elevated to city status, making it Kenya's fifth city.

The experience has featured prominently in Kenei's public profile as he seeks to present himself as a leader with experience in business advocacy, governance and development planning.

He has argued that Eldoret's city status creates opportunities for investment, industrial growth and employment, provided the county develops the infrastructure and systems needed to support expansion.

Economic Transformation at the Centre of His Bid

As he seeks to convince voters ahead of the 2027 polls, Kenei has outlined proposals aimed at strengthening Uasin Gishu's economy, improving healthcare services and expanding opportunities for young people.

His agenda includes attracting industries to the county, promoting agricultural value addition, improving the business environment and linking technical training to employment opportunities.

He has also advocated for better management of public resources and improved service delivery, arguing that county leadership should prioritise measurable results and accountability.

Kenei's entry into the gubernatorial contest has added another name to a race expected to attract several political and business figures seeking to succeed incumbent Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim.

His appearance at Eldoret State Lodge during the national honours ceremony places him among leaders who participated in the Mashujaa Day activities hosted in Eldoret, although his attendance at the event does not in itself indicate that he received a State Honour.

As the 2027 election approaches, Kenei is expected to continue using his business and institutional leadership background to make his case to residents of Uasin Gishu County.