H.E. Governor Joshua Wakahora Irungu, EGH
County: LaikipiaJoshua 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.
Educational Background
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.
Work Experience
Governor of Laikipia County
First Term (2013–2017):
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.
Second Term (2022–Present):
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.
Water Resource Management Expert:
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.
Consultant and Development Specialist:
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.
Engagement in Public and Community Service
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.
Politics
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.
Governor of Laikipia County
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.
Development Focus
Agricultural Development:
Strengthening food security and empowering farmers with modern farming techniques, access to markets, and irrigation initiatives.
Infrastructure:
Expansion of road networks and urban development in Laikipia's towns and rural areas.
Healthcare Services:
Upgrading hospitals and healthcare facilities across the county.
Education:
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.
Projects
| Revenue: KES, 6,260,760,541 |
| Expenditure: KES. 5,845,823,279 |
Non-current Assets
| Amount of Money Paid: KES. 46,205,272 |
| % Age Payment: 100% (Full payment disbursed) |
| Status of the Project: Completed – Salaries already disbursed |
Payment of salaries amounting to Kshs. 46,205,272 made outside the approved Integrated Personnel and Payroll Database (IPPD), which is in violation of National Treasury Circular No. 13/2012 requiring that all public service emoluments be processed through the IPPD system to ensure transparency and control.
| Total Contract Amount: KES. 10,651,432 (combined for both the lift shaft and junk yard) |
| Amount of Money Paid: KES. 10,651,432 |
| % Age Payment: 100% (based on disbursement despite less than 70% completion reported) |
| Status of the Project: Incomplete – Both projects were below 70% completion as of November 2023 |
– Construction of a lift shaft and slab extension at the County Assembly of Laikipia (Kshs. 5,655,858)
– Construction of a junk yard (Kshs. 4,995,574). Despite being scheduled for completion by May and August 2023 respectively, both projects were significantly delayed, raising concerns on value for money and possible inefficiencies in execution.
| Amount of Money Paid: KES. 2,261,833 (Total house allowance paid) |
| % Age Payment: 100% |
| Status of the Project: Completed (allowances disbursed, though overpaid) |
House allowance totalling Kshs. 2,261,833 was paid to 15 employees; however, Kshs. 1,258,033 of this amount was paid in excess of the approved rates set out in the SRC Circular Ref. SRC/TS/MDP/3/1/2 (2) dated 10 December, 2014. This raised concerns about compliance with compensation guidelines, and the propriety of these payments could not be verified.
Citizen’s Performance Score Card
Educational Background
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.
Work Experience
Governor of Laikipia County
First Term (2013–2017):
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.
Second Term (2022–Present):
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.
Water Resource Management Expert:
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.
Consultant and Development Specialist:
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.
Engagement in Public and Community Service
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.
Politics
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.
Governor of Laikipia County
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.
Development Focus
Agricultural Development:
Strengthening food security and empowering farmers with modern farming techniques, access to markets, and irrigation initiatives.
Infrastructure:
Expansion of road networks and urban development in Laikipia's towns and rural areas.
Healthcare Services:
Upgrading hospitals and healthcare facilities across the county.
Education:
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.
Projects
| Revenue: KES, 6,260,760,541 |
| Expenditure: KES. 5,845,823,279 |
Non-current Assets
| Amount of Money Paid: KES. 46,205,272 |
| % Age Payment: 100% (Full payment disbursed) |
| Status of the Project: Completed – Salaries already disbursed |
Payment of salaries amounting to Kshs. 46,205,272 made outside the approved Integrated Personnel and Payroll Database (IPPD), which is in violation of National Treasury Circular No. 13/2012 requiring that all public service emoluments be processed through the IPPD system to ensure transparency and control.
| Total Contract Amount: KES. 10,651,432 (combined for both the lift shaft and junk yard) |
| Amount of Money Paid: KES. 10,651,432 |
| % Age Payment: 100% (based on disbursement despite less than 70% completion reported) |
| Status of the Project: Incomplete – Both projects were below 70% completion as of November 2023 |
– Construction of a lift shaft and slab extension at the County Assembly of Laikipia (Kshs. 5,655,858)
– Construction of a junk yard (Kshs. 4,995,574). Despite being scheduled for completion by May and August 2023 respectively, both projects were significantly delayed, raising concerns on value for money and possible inefficiencies in execution.
| Amount of Money Paid: KES. 2,261,833 (Total house allowance paid) |
| % Age Payment: 100% |
| Status of the Project: Completed (allowances disbursed, though overpaid) |
House allowance totalling Kshs. 2,261,833 was paid to 15 employees; however, Kshs. 1,258,033 of this amount was paid in excess of the approved rates set out in the SRC Circular Ref. SRC/TS/MDP/3/1/2 (2) dated 10 December, 2014. This raised concerns about compliance with compensation guidelines, and the propriety of these payments could not be verified.