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Governor of Kisumu County
Professor Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o is a Kenyan politician and scholar currently serving as the Governor of Kisumu County, a position he has held since 22 August 2017. Born on 10 October 1943 in Ratta, Kisumu, he graduated with First-Class Honours in Political Science from Makerere University and went on to earn his MA and PhD in Political Science from the University of Chicago.
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Professor Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o is a Kenyan politician and scholar currently serving as the Governor of Kisumu County, a position he has held since 22 August 2017. Born on 10 October 1943 in Ratta, Kisumu, he graduated with First-Class Honours in Political Science from Makerere University and went on to earn his MA and PhD in Political Science from the University of Chicago. Nyong’o began his career as a political science lecturer at the University of Nairobi and later served as Head of Programmes at the African Academy of Sciences before joining active politics. He has held several key public offices, including Member of Parliament for Kisumu Rural, Minister for Planning and National Development (2003–2005), Minister for Medical Services (2008–2013), and Senator for Kisumu County (2013–2017). As minister, he played a pivotal role in the formulation of the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper, spearheaded the development of Kenya’s Vision 2030, and oversaw critical reforms in the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) and the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).
Highlights that showcase impact and influence.
First Kenyan to earn a First‑Class Honours degree in political science at Makerere University
Developed Kenya’s Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper and Vision 2030 during his tenure as Minister for Planning & National Development
Reformed KEMSA into an independent authority and transformed NHIF into a National Health Insurance Fund
Served as Minister for Planning (2003–2005) and Medical Services (2008–2013)
Represented Kisumu as Senator (2013–2017) and has been Governor since 2017
Received the German‑African Award (1995) and Africa Brain Gain Award (2005)
Appointed to the UN Advisory Group on Local and Regional Governments in 2023
A timeline of pivotal roles and responsibilities.
Guild President at Makerere University (1969/70)
Professor of Political Science, University of Nairobi and visiting professor in Mexico and Addis Ababa
Head of Programmes at the African Academy of Sciences
Member of Parliament for Kisumu Rural (elected 1992 and 2002)
Minister for Planning and National Development (2003–2005)
Minister for Medical Services (2008–2013)
Senator for Kisumu County (2013–2017)
Governor of Kisumu County (2017–present)