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Governor of Bomet County
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Professor Hillary K. Barchok is a Kenyan academic and politician serving as the third Governor of Bomet County. An educator by profession, he transitioned from a distinguished career in university administration to high-level regional politics, eventually assuming the governorship following the passing of his predecessor, Dr. Joyce Laboso. Born on December 3, 1973, Barchok began his formative education at Kapkimolwa Primary School in 1981. He proceeded to Kericho High School for his secondary education between 1990 and 1993, where he served as School Captain and chairperson of the Christian Union. He later enrolled at Egerton University in 1995, graduating with a Bachelor of Education in Science, specializing in Chemistry and Mathematics. He continued his studies at the same institution, earning a Master’s degree in 2003, before obtaining a PhD in Curriculum Development from Moi University in 2011. Barchok’s career began in 2001 when he was employed by the Teachers Service Commission as a science teacher at Mulot Secondary School. Over a decade, he established himself as a dedicated educator, concurrently serving as a Director of Studies and a Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) examiner. In 2006, he was recognized as the Best Special Needs Education Teacher in Bomet District. His academic pursuits led him to university teaching, where he served as a part-time lecturer at Kabianga University College and Moi University’s Kericho campus. In 2011, he joined Chuka University as a lecturer, rising through the ranks to become a Senior Lecturer by 2015. During his tenure at Chuka University, he served as the Dean of the Faculty of Education and Resources Development from 2012 until 2017. Barchok’s political career commenced in 2017 when he was selected as the running mate for Dr. Joyce Laboso in the Bomet gubernatorial race. The duo successfully ousted the incumbent governor, Isaac Ruto, and Barchok was sworn in as the Deputy Governor of Bomet County on August 2, 2017. Following the death of Governor Laboso in July 2019, Barchok was sworn in as the third Governor of Bomet County on August 8, 2019, in accordance with the Kenyan Constitution. In the 2022 general elections, Barchok successfully sought a full mandate from the electorate, running on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket. He secured a victory to serve his first full five-year term as governor. Throughout his administration, he has maintained a focus on infrastructure, education, and community empowerment initiatives. His transition from academia to politics is often cited as a key factor in his governance approach, which emphasizes structural development and administrative efficiency. Prof. Barchok is married and is a father of three. Beyond his official duties, he remains known for his contributions to the education sector and his advocacy for youth entrepreneurship and community development within Bomet County.
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Elected Chairperson of the Bomet Egerton University Students Association (BEUSA) in 1999.
Began teaching career at Mulot Secondary School in 2001, where he taught Chemistry and Mathematics for 10 years.
Graduated with a Master's degree from Egerton University in 2003.
In August 2025, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions approved the prosecution of Governor Hillary Barchok for alleged conflict of interest, money laundering, and unlawful acquisition of public property. The charges, stemming from an EACC investigation, relate to his alleged receipt of approximately Kes 2.75 million from companies, including Chemasus Construction Limited, that were awarded tenders by the Bomet County government between 2019 and 2025; he was arraigned in court in September 2025 and released on bond.
In January 2026, Governor Barchok faced a hostile session before the Senate Committee on Public Investment and Special Funds regarding the collapse of the Bomet Water Company. Senators grilled him over persistent water shortages, allegations of 'cartel-ridden' management, and revenue loss, which led to significant public outcry.
Awarded the title of Best Special Needs Education Teacher in Bomet District in 2006.
Enrolled in PhD studies in Curriculum Development at Moi University in 2007, graduating in 2011.
Served as a lecturer at Kabianga University College and Moi University Kericho Campus between 2009 and 2010.
Joined Chuka University as a lecturer in 2011.
Appointed Dean of the Faculty of Education and Resources Development at Chuka University in 2012, serving until 2017.
Promoted to Senior Lecturer at Chuka University in 2015.
Sworn in as the Deputy Governor of Bomet County on August 2, 2017, after winning the gubernatorial election.
Assumed office as the third Governor of Bomet County on August 8, 2019, following the passing of Governor Dr. Joyce Laboso.
Successfully ran for re-election and was sworn in for a second term as Governor of Bomet County in 2022.
In February 2026, Governor Barchok was summoned before the Senate County Public Accounts Committee to address audit queries regarding unexplained expenditure of Kes 10 million and payroll irregularities amounting to Kes 48 million. During the session, he was questioned on allegations of financial mismanagement, including unauthorized salary payments and systemic human resource issues.
In March 2026, Governor Barchok again appeared before the Senate County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee to respond to audit queries concerning the 2024/2025 financial year. The session focused on qualified audit opinions regarding the county's Bursary, Education Revolving, and Climate Change Funds, as well as irregular internal borrowing practices.