The race for the Laikipia County gubernatorial seat has gained fresh momentum following the entry of former County Chief Officer Eng. Henry Kimani Mbuthia, popularly known as Mtu Nguyaz, who has declared his intention to contest the seat in the 2027 General Election on a Democratic for Citizens Party (DCP) ticket.
Kimani’s entry adds to an increasingly crowded field, with more than seven aspirants seeking to clinch the DCP ticket, while others are pursuing their ambitions through the Kenya Reforms Party (KRP) and The Service Party (TSP). Notably, the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has yet to attract a declared gubernatorial aspirant.
The former Chief Officer, who served during Laikipia County’s first administration, joins a growing list of contenders, including former Woman Representative Cate Waruguru, Deputy Governor Reuben Kamuri, County Secretary Koinange Wahome, Health CECM Albert Taiti, Gitogo Kihunyo and Mwalimu Peter Kuria, among others.
In his maiden address after declaring his bid, Kimani unveiled an ambitious development agenda centred on job creation, agricultural transformation, infrastructure development, economic growth and prudent management of public resources.
The aspirant pledged to create 50,000 jobs by fostering an investment-friendly environment and expanding economic opportunities across the county. He also proposed a graduate employment programme under which university and college graduates would be absorbed into county government or placed in relevant internship opportunities for at least one year after graduation.
Under the proposed programme, beneficiaries would receive a monthly stipend of 20,000 shillings as they gain practical experience and contribute to service delivery.
On agriculture, Kimani promised to improve farm productivity by addressing the underutilisation of agricultural land and supporting farmers to increase output. He proposed the establishment of Laikipia County Creameries to process locally produced milk, pledging to work towards a farm-gate price of 60 shillings per litre.
He said the proposed dairy initiative would strengthen the value chain, provide reliable markets for farmers and promote value addition within the county. Kimani also pledged to establish a Laikipia Youth Service programme to engage young people in productive economic activities and development projects.
On infrastructure, the gubernatorial aspirant promised to oversee the construction and improvement of 500 kilometres of roads across Laikipia. He proposed adopting the Roads 2000 approach, which combines local labour with appropriate equipment to rehabilitate and maintain rural access roads to all-weather standards.
Kimani further outlined an ambitious economic target of growing Laikipia’s Gross Domestic Product from the stated 135 billion shillings to 300 billion shillings annually, arguing that this would require strategic investments in agriculture, infrastructure, enterprise development and employment creation.
To ease the cost of doing business, he pledged to reduce Single Business Permit fees by 30 per cent, saying the move would encourage investment and support local enterprises. He also promised accountability in the management of public resources, insisting that every shilling allocated to county development would be accounted for.
“I want to be the people’s Governor. My commitment is that we move together with the people until the nominations,” Kimani said, expressing confidence in his bid for the DCP ticket.
He said his decision to seek the party’s nomination was informed by its ideals and what he described as its commitment to championing the interests and aspirations of ordinary citizens.
Born in Karandi, Kimani attended Nyahururu High School before pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. He also studied economics at Kenyatta University and undertook legal studies at the University of Nairobi and the Kenya School of Law. He is a practising advocate.
Kimani said his professional background in engineering, economics, accountancy and law had shaped his leadership approach, particularly in economic planning, financial management and public accountability.
His entry into the gubernatorial race is expected to intensify competition for the DCP ticket as aspirants position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
