Wisley Kipyegon Rotich is a Kenyan politician who serves as the second and incumbent Governor of Elgeyo-Marakwet County. A member of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, Rotich ascended to the governorship following the 2022 Kenyan general election, succeeding the outgoing governor Alex Tolgos. Known for his background in economics and his prior experience within the county administration, Rotich has focused his tenure on cooperative revival, economic empowerment for youth and women, and security challenges within the region. Born on January 1, 1986, Rotich hails from Emsoo Ward in Keiyo North Sub-County, Elgeyo-Marakwet County. He pursued his higher education at Moi University, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Economics. His professional career began outside of elective politics; he worked at the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) as a budget officer, where he was involved in budgeting, monitoring, and evaluation. He later transitioned into the banking sector, serving as an operations officer at Equity Bank, an experience he often credits with shaping his approach to fiscal management and organizational strategy. Rotich’s entry into devolved governance began when he joined the County Government of Elgeyo-Marakwet as the Director of Cooperatives in the Department of Tourism, Trade, Cooperatives, and Energy. In this capacity, he gained recognition for his initiatives to revive dormant cooperative societies through structural reforms and the automation of their operations. This work became a cornerstone of his reputation as a results-oriented administrator. In 2017, his political profile rose significantly when he was elected the Deputy Governor of Elgeyo-Marakwet, serving under Governor Alex Tolgos until 2022. During the 2022 general election cycle, Rotich emerged as a formidable candidate for the gubernatorial seat. Despite being viewed by some initial observers as an underdog against more seasoned political figures, he secured a decisive victory on a UDA ticket. Upon assuming office on August 25, 2022, he became one of the youngest governors in Kenya, a milestone that he has frequently cited as a message of encouragement to the country’s youth to engage in leadership and national development. Since taking office, Governor Rotich has prioritized the "bottom-up" economic model, emphasizing entrepreneurship and the empowerment of special interest groups. His administration has launched several programs targeting small-scale traders and the agricultural sector, including the "Wamama na Kuku" initiative, aimed at uplifting the economic status of rural households. Additionally, he has been vocal regarding the security challenges in the Kerio Valley, particularly perennial cattle rustling, frequently calling for peaceful coexistence and inter-community dialogue. His administration has also been noted for its focus on infrastructure, including regulatory interventions in public works to ensure safety and value for public funds. As of 2026, Rotich continues to serve his term, focusing on sustainable development and inclusive governance within Elgeyo-Marakwet.