Governor

Governor, Laikipia County

Profile

Joshua Wakahora Irungu, is a distinguished Kenyan politician and community development specialist. He is the inaugural Governor of Laikipia County, having first served from 2013 to 2017 under the The National Alliance (TNA) party. In 2022, he secured his second term as governor, running on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket.

Education

• Master’s Degree in Agriculture and Rural Development – Egerton University

• Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resource Management – Egerton University

Career

Governor Irungu’s professional journey reflects a deep commitment to community development:

• 1997–2000: Divisional Agricultural and Livestock Extension Officer for Laikipia West and Nyahururu Divisions in the Civil Service.

• Later joined USAID, where he oversaw the International Small Group and Tree Planting Programme (ISGTPP).

• Over 20 years of experience in community-driven development programs in Laikipia County.

• February 2019: Appointed Chairperson of the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB), serving until his re-election in 2022.

Governorship Tenure

2013–2017

During his first term, Governor Irungu and his deputy, Josephat Kabugi Gitonga, won by a landslide victory. Under his leadership, Laikipia County experienced significant transformation:

• Five-Year Development Strategy targeting:

  • Dairy farming

  • Security

  • Horticulture

  • Tourism

  • Road network improvements

  • Power and water supply

  • Education development

• Healthcare Improvements:

  • Constructed 20+ new dispensaries

  • Purchased 7 ambulances

  • Upgraded county hospitals to referral status with functional theaters and ICU machines

• Infrastructure:

  • Constructed 10+ police posts in insecurity-prone areas

  • Opened, murramed, and rehabilitated 3,000+ km of roads at a cost exceeding KSh 4 billion

• Agriculture & Energy:

  • Launched the Household Economic Empowerment Programme (H.E.E.P)

  • Initiated solar energy projects contributing 20 MW to the national grid

• Education & Youth:

  • Built 250+ ECDE classrooms

  • Supported sports and youth programs

• Addressed human-wildlife conflict

2022–2027

In the 2022 general elections, Governor Irungu reclaimed the governorship, winning with over 70% of the vote under the Kenya Kwanza Alliance.
He continues to champion:

• Agricultural best practices (using his own farm as a demonstration site)

• Community empowerment programs

• Infrastructure and service delivery improvements

• Devolution as a tool for sustainable county development

Personal Life

Governor Joshua Irungu is often referred to as the "Chief Servant" for his dedication to the people of Laikipia.
He is happily married to Grace Wakahora, and together they are blessed with three sons and one daughter.