Lee Maiyani Kinyanjui is a prominent Kenyan politician known for his significant contributions to Nakuru County’s development. Born in 1976 in Nakuru, Kenya, he has dedicated his career to public service, holding various key positions in both local and national government.
Early life and education
Kinyanjui was raised in Nakuru County, where he completed his primary and secondary education. He pursued higher education at Kenyatta University, earning a degree in Literature. To further his expertise in governance and management, he obtained a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Nairobi. Additionally, he holds a Master’s degree in International Relations, broadening his understanding of global affairs.
Early career
Before venturing into politics, Kinyanjui accumulated over a decade of experience in the private sector, where he honed his skills in business and management. This experience provided a solid foundation for his subsequent roles in public service.
Political career
Kinyanjui’s political journey commenced in 2007 when he was elected as the Member of Parliament for Nakuru Town Constituency under the Party of National Unity (PNU). During his tenure from 2008 to 2013, he served as the Assistant Minister for Roads, contributing to significant infrastructural developments.
In 2013, he contested for the Nakuru gubernatorial seat but was unsuccessful. Undeterred, he vied again in 2017 under the Jubilee Party and was elected as the second Governor of Nakuru County, serving until 2022. During his tenure, he initiated numerous projects, including the construction of Level 4 hospitals, the upgrade of the Afraha Stadium, and the rehabilitation of rural roads through the Boresha Barabara program. He also played a pivotal role in advocating for Nakuru’s elevation to city status.
In October 2021, Kinyanjui formed his own political outfit, the Ubuntu People’s Forum (UPF), inspired by the South African concept of ‘Ubuntu,’ meaning ‘I am because of you.’ He emphasized that the party aimed to return humanity to politics and focus on community welfare.
Major achievements
Kinyanjui spearheaded the construction of Level 4 hospitals across Nakuru County, enhancing healthcare accessibility for residents. He oversaw the renovation of the 73-year-old Afraha Stadium, improving facilities for sports and community events. Under his leadership, the Boresha Barabara program focused on rehabilitating and upgrading rural roads, facilitating better connectivity within the county. He also initiated the transformation of the Lanet Airstrip into an international airport, aiming to boost the local economy and tourism. Moreover, he was instrumental in advocating for Nakuru’s elevation from a municipality to a city, a milestone achieved during his tenure.
Personal life
Lee Kinyanjui is known for maintaining a private personal life. He is married to Elizabeth Kinyanjui, who served as the First Lady of Nakuru County during his governorship. The couple prefers to keep their family matters away from the public eye, and as such, limited information is available about their children.
Net worth
As of recent estimates, Kinyanjui’s net worth is approximated between Ksh 130 million and Ksh 640 million. This wealth is primarily attributed to his career in public service and previous engagements in the private sector.
Conclusion
Kinyanjui’s tenure as the Governor of Nakuru County was marked by significant infrastructural developments and a commitment to improving the lives of residents. His leadership in elevating Nakuru to city status and enhancing healthcare and transportation infrastructure underscores his dedication to the county’s progress.
