Joshua Wakahora Irungu, born on February 2, 1970, is a distinguished Kenyan politician and community development specialist. He serves as the inaugural governor of Laikipia County, initially holding office from 2013 to 2017 under the TNA Party. In 2022, he secured his second and final term, this time running on a UDA ticket.
Joshua Wakahora Irungu, born on February 2, 1970, is a distinguished Kenyan politician and community development specialist. He serves as the inaugural governor of Laikipia County, initially holding office from 2013 to 2017 under the TNA Party. In 2022, he secured his second and final term, this time running on a UDA ticket.
Joshua Irungu holds a Master's Degree in Agriculture and Rural Development and a Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resource Management, both earned from Egerton University.
H.E. Irungu was elected as the first Governor of Laikipia County following the promulgation of Kenya's 2010 Constitution, which introduced devolved governance. During his first term, he focused on: Enhancing agricultural productivity through irrigation schemes. Promoting wildlife conservation and eco-tourism, given Laikipia's rich biodiversity. Improving healthcare services and infrastructure across the county. Advocating for youth and women empowerment through entrepreneurship programs.
Re-elected in 2022, Irungu resumed leadership with renewed vigor, emphasizing sustainable development goals, including: Expanding access to clean water and sanitation. Strengthening partnerships with the private sector to spur economic growth. Improving road networks and connectivity to rural areas.
Before joining active politics, Irungu worked extensively in water resource management and environmental conservation. He served in leadership roles in non-governmental and governmental organizations, focusing on: Sustainable water resource development. Community-based natural resource management. Capacity building for rural communities on water conservation practices.
His career also includes consultancy roles in rural development projects, working with international organizations to design and implement programs aimed at poverty alleviation, environmental conservation, and sustainable livelihoods.
Irungu has been actively involved in grassroots initiatives, particularly in Laikipia County, aimed at uplifting marginalized communities. His work with local and international NGOs has cemented his reputation as a community-focused leader.
H.E. Joshua Wakahora Irungu is a seasoned Kenyan politician and the current Governor of Laikipia County. He has a strong background in leadership and governance, focusing on improving the livelihoods of residents in Laikipia County through infrastructure development, healthcare, agriculture, and education.
H.E. Joshua Irungu has served as the Governor of Laikipia County for two non-consecutive terms. He was first elected Governor in 2013 under the Jubilee Party and served as the county's inaugural governor following the implementation of Kenya's devolved system of government. After losing his re-election bid in 2017, he made a political comeback in 2022 and was re-elected as governor under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.
Strengthening food security and empowering farmers with modern farming techniques, access to markets, and irrigation initiatives.
Expansion of road networks and urban development in Laikipia's towns and rural areas.
Upgrading hospitals and healthcare facilities across the county.
Improving access to education by providing scholarships and investing in schools and vocational training centers. Before joining politics, H.E. Irungu worked in community development and natural resource management, gaining expertise in water management and environmental conservation. This background has influenced his approach to governance, particularly in promoting sustainable resource use in Laikipia County. Irungu has been affiliated with key political parties in Kenya, including Jubilee and UDA, and has remained an influential figure in Rift Valley and Kenyan politics. His alignment with President William Ruto's UDA has strengthened his political position in recent years.
Joshua Irungu holds a Master's Degree in Agriculture and Rural Development and a Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resource Management, both earned from Egerton University.
H.E. Irungu was elected as the first Governor of Laikipia County following the promulgation of Kenya's 2010 Constitution, which introduced devolved governance. During his first term, he focused on: Enhancing agricultural productivity through irrigation schemes. Promoting wildlife conservation and eco-tourism, given Laikipia's rich biodiversity. Improving healthcare services and infrastructure across the county. Advocating for youth and women empowerment through entrepreneurship programs.
Re-elected in 2022, Irungu resumed leadership with renewed vigor, emphasizing sustainable development goals, including: Expanding access to clean water and sanitation. Strengthening partnerships with the private sector to spur economic growth. Improving road networks and connectivity to rural areas.
Before joining active politics, Irungu worked extensively in water resource management and environmental conservation. He served in leadership roles in non-governmental and governmental organizations, focusing on: Sustainable water resource development. Community-based natural resource management. Capacity building for rural communities on water conservation practices.
His career also includes consultancy roles in rural development projects, working with international organizations to design and implement programs aimed at poverty alleviation, environmental conservation, and sustainable livelihoods.
Irungu has been actively involved in grassroots initiatives, particularly in Laikipia County, aimed at uplifting marginalized communities. His work with local and international NGOs has cemented his reputation as a community-focused leader.
H.E. Joshua Wakahora Irungu is a seasoned Kenyan politician and the current Governor of Laikipia County. He has a strong background in leadership and governance, focusing on improving the livelihoods of residents in Laikipia County through infrastructure development, healthcare, agriculture, and education.
H.E. Joshua Irungu has served as the Governor of Laikipia County for two non-consecutive terms. He was first elected Governor in 2013 under the Jubilee Party and served as the county's inaugural governor following the implementation of Kenya's devolved system of government. After losing his re-election bid in 2017, he made a political comeback in 2022 and was re-elected as governor under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.
Strengthening food security and empowering farmers with modern farming techniques, access to markets, and irrigation initiatives.
Expansion of road networks and urban development in Laikipia's towns and rural areas.
Upgrading hospitals and healthcare facilities across the county.
Improving access to education by providing scholarships and investing in schools and vocational training centers. Before joining politics, H.E. Irungu worked in community development and natural resource management, gaining expertise in water management and environmental conservation. This background has influenced his approach to governance, particularly in promoting sustainable resource use in Laikipia County. Irungu has been affiliated with key political parties in Kenya, including Jubilee and UDA, and has remained an influential figure in Rift Valley and Kenyan politics. His alignment with President William Ruto's UDA has strengthened his political position in recent years.