Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 honouree Dr Jeremiah Rogito has withdrawn from the 2027 Trans Nzoia Senate race, opting to take up a role in developing his party’s manifesto and Kenya’s next five-year development blueprint.
Rogito announced his decision on Wednesday, November 11, saying he had reached the decision after months of reflection and consultations.
He described the move as a response to a “higher calling”, bringing his bid for the Senate seat to an end about nine months before the August 2027 General Election.
“After months of reflection and consultation, I have made a decision to withdraw from the Trans Nzoia 2027 Senate race in response to a higher calling,” he said in a statement shared on his Facebook page.
The agribusiness expert thanked his family, friends, supporters, residents of Trans Nzoia and his party leadership for their support during his political journey. He singled out the Kisii community in Trans Nzoia for standing with his campaign.
Rogito also disclosed that the party leadership had asked him to co-lead the development of its manifesto, specifically the agribusiness, manufacturing and value addition pillar, which will form part of Kenya’s next five-year development blueprint.
“I am humbled,” he said, thanking the party leadership for entrusting him with the responsibility.
His withdrawal marks a change in direction for a candidate whose professional background in agriculture and food systems had formed a significant part of his political appeal in Trans Nzoia.
Rogito is the patron of the Kenya Agricultural Students Association and has championed agricultural development at national, regional and international forums. His recognition on the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list highlighted his work in agribusiness, while his PhD qualification has further distinguished his professional profile.
His proposed political agenda was closely linked to the economic priorities of Trans Nzoia, a county whose economy is heavily dependent on agriculture.
The county, with Kitale as its headquarters, is among Kenya’s major food-producing regions, with maize, wheat, beans, dairy and horticultural farming supporting livelihoods and contributing to food supplies beyond its borders.
Rogito’s proposed Senate bid had attracted support from sections of the electorate, including members of the Kisii community living in the county.
Despite leaving the race, he said his relationship with the county would remain unchanged.
“To Trans Nzoia, I remain your son and your servant, in every way that matters,” he said.
His new assignment places him in the party’s policy development process, with a focus on sectors that are central to Kenya’s economic transformation, particularly agricultural production, industrialization and value addition.
