Engineer Nicolas Gumbo Wajonya’s leadership journey is a compelling narrative of technical mastery, courageous governance, and transformative impact—a combination that uniquely qualifies him to lead Siaya County toward sustainable prosperity. His multifaceted career spans engineering, politics, and sectoral reform, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to public service and development.
His educational foundation laid a strong technical bedrock, graduating with first-class honors in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and later earning an MBA in Management Information Systems, both from the University of Nairobi. This education endowed him with analytical rigor and managerial acumen, qualities that have underpinned his success across different leadership roles.
Beginning his professional life as an electrical engineer, Gumbo sharpened his skills designing and overseeing electrical installations for diverse institutions such as hospitals, industrial complexes, educational facilities, and more. His expertise expands beyond engineering to consulting roles requiring meticulous evaluation and innovation, establishing him as a registered consulting engineer recognized by the Engineers Board of Kenya. His memberships in professional engineering bodies further reflect his commitment to continuous learning and professional excellence.
Politically, Gumbo burst onto the national scene when elected Member of Parliament for Rarieda in 2007. Breaking the one-term precedent for the seat, he won re-election in 2013—a testament to his popularity and effective service. His reputation for integrity and accountability was cemented during his tenure as Chairman of the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee. Here, he led critical investigations into government corruption, most famously the National Youth Service scandal, exposing abuse of public funds despite facing personal risks including threats to his life. His steadfast pursuit of justice earned him accolades both within parliament and among civil society.
In the realm of sectoral leadership, Gumbo’s role as Chairperson of the Kenya Sugar Board is transformative. Under his guidance, the sugar industry has embraced transparency, operational efficiency, and farmer empowerment. A landmark was the passage of the new Sugar Act, modernizing regulations to enhance fairness in pricing, payments, and dispute resolution, while encouraging private investment. Gumbo championed the introduction of digitized licensing and payments, the launch of the Kenya Sugar Research, Training and Innovation Institute promoting scientific agriculture, and the leasing of failing public mills to private investors, resulting in job creation, increased production, and reduced sugar imports.
These achievements demonstrate his capacity to navigate complex systems and mobilize stakeholders toward common goals. They also embody the principles of good governance, innovation, and economic empowerment he promises to apply to Siaya County when elected governor.
Gumbo’s vision for Siaya is comprehensive and inclusive. He aims to modernize agriculture through climate-smart practices and value addition, improve infrastructure including roads and clean water access, revolutionize healthcare using technology and better facilities, and create meaningful opportunities for a youthful population through skills training and entrepreneurship. Central to his plan is institutionalizing transparent governance practices, fostering citizen participation, and ensuring equitable development that leaves no community marginalized.
He is also deeply committed to environmental sustainability, advocating for conservation of natural resources, promoting renewable energy, and combating climate change effects. His leadership style emphasizes unity and social cohesion, recognizing that peaceful collaboration is essential for lasting progress.
In choosing Engineer Nicolas Gumbo Wajonya, Siaya County elects not just a governor but a visionary reformer, a technocrat with heart, and a leader whose proven track record assures effective, ethical, and inclusive stewardship. His journey from engineer to parliamentarian, and now a transformative sector leader, is a blueprint for Siaya’s aspirations. Under his leadership, the county stands to realize its full potential—economic vibrancy, social equity, and sustainable growth—ushering in a new dawn of opportunity and hope for all its residents.
James’ Kilonzo Bwire is a Media and Communication Practitioner.
