Amason Jeffah Kingi is a prominent Kenyan politician, legal practitioner, and the current Speaker of the Senate of Kenya, a position he has held since September 2022. Born in 1974 in Kilifi County, Kingi has emerged as a significant figure in Kenyan politics, particularly within the coastal region. His political journey spans several decades, encompassing roles in the national legislature, the cabinet, devolved government, and the upper house of Parliament. Kingi’s foundational years were spent in Kilifi County, where he attended Magarini Primary School. He later progressed to the prestigious Alliance Boys High School for his secondary education, completing his studies in 1992. Driven by an interest in law and governance, he enrolled at the University of Nairobi in 1994, graduating with a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1998. Following his graduation and the completion of his pupillage, he engaged in private legal practice in Mombasa and also served as a district coordinator for the Kilifi District under the Constitution of Kenya Reform Commission (CKRC), an experience that provided him with early exposure to constitutional and administrative reform processes. His formal entry into elective politics occurred in 2007 when he successfully contested and won the parliamentary seat for Magarini Constituency on an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket. His performance in the 10th Parliament was notable, and he was subsequently appointed to the Cabinet in the Grand Coalition Government, led by the late President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Kingi served as the Minister for East African Community Affairs from 2008 to 2010, after which he was appointed the Minister for Fisheries Development, a position he held until 2013. With the advent of the devolved system of government under the 2010 Constitution, Kingi sought to lead his home county. In the 2013 general election, he was elected as the first Governor of Kilifi County. He served two consecutive terms, holding the office from 2013 to 2022. During his tenure as governor, he was recognized for his focus on infrastructure development, health services, and agricultural initiatives in a region historically challenged by underdevelopment and poverty. His administration was also noted for its legislative approach to local governance. In 2021, seeking to assert more regional political autonomy, Kingi founded the Pamoja African Alliance (PAA) party, aimed at championing the interests of the coastal people. Although the party initially aligned with the Azimio la Umoja coalition, it later shifted its allegiance to the Kenya Kwanza coalition, led by William Ruto, ahead of the 2022 general election. Following the success of the Kenya Kwanza alliance, Kingi was elected as the Speaker of the Senate on September 8, 2022, securing 46 votes in the chamber. As Speaker, he serves as the third-highest-ranking official in the national government protocol. In March 2026, Kingi announced a major shift in his political trajectory, declaring that his party, the Pamoja African Alliance, would not field candidates in the 2027 general election and would instead fully merge its efforts with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA). This decision marked a strategic consolidation within the national political landscape. Throughout his career, Kingi has remained a persistent, albeit sometimes polarizing, figure, often navigating complex alliances to maintain his influence in national and regional politics. He is married to Liz Kingi, and the couple has children.