5 Kenyan PhD Holders Who Walked Away from High-Profile Careers for Politics

In a country where academic brilliance often opens doors to prestigious careers, a few exceptional individuals have charted a different course; leaving behind distinguished professional paths to dive into the unpredictable world of politics. 

These five PhD holders left the comfort of lecture halls, courtrooms, and operating theatres to engage directly with the public, influence policy, and reshape Kenya’s political landscape from the inside.  

Kithure Kindiki

Prof. Kithure Kindiki is one of Kenya’s most academically credentialed leaders, whose legal expertise laid the foundation for a remarkable political career.  

Before entering politics, Kindiki built an impressive academic résumé. He earned his Bachelor of Laws from Moi University, a Postgraduate Diploma from the Kenya School of Law, and both a Master’s and PhD in International Law from the University of Pretoria in South Africa. 

He began teaching law at Moi University and later became a senior lecturer, Head of the Department of Public Law, and Associate Dean at the University of Nairobi’s School of Law. 

He also served as Secretary of National Cohesion under President Mwai Kibaki and consulted for global organizations such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

His transition into politics saw him serve as Senator for Tharaka Nithi (2013–2022), Senate Majority Leader, and Deputy Speaker. 

He later held the position of Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration and currently serves as Kenya’s Deputy President.

Anyang’ Nyong’o 

Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o is a political veteran and accomplished academic whose career bridges classrooms and cabinet meetings. 

He studied Political Science and Philosophy at Makerere University before earning a Master’s and PhD in Political Science from the University of Chicago. He went on to teach at the University of Nairobi, El Colegio de México, and Addis Ababa University and also worked at the United Nations Secretariat in New York. 

Nyong’o entered Parliament in 1992 as the MP for Kisumu Rural, holding the seat until 2013. During his tenure in Parliament, he served as Minister for Planning and National Development (2003–2005) and Minister for Medical Services (2008–2013). He was elected Kisumu Senator in 2013 and has been serving as the Governor of Kisumu County since 2017.

George Saitoti

The late Prof. George Saitoti was a brilliant mathematician turned statesman, remembered for his calm demeanor, intellect, and immense influence in Kenyan politics. 

He earned a First-Class degree in Mathematics from Brandeis University in 1967, later pursuing a Master’s at the University of Sussex and a PhD in Mathematics from Warwick University. Upon returning to Kenya, he joined the University of Nairobi as a lecturer and rose to become Head of the Mathematics Department.

Saitoti's public service journey began with appointments to various government and regional bodies, including the East African Legislative Assembly. 

In 1983, he was nominated to Parliament by President Moi and later appointed Finance Minister. He became Kenya’s longest-serving Vice President (1989–1998 and 1999–2002) and held influential cabinet positions including Minister for Education, Internal Security, and Foreign Affairs under President Kibaki.

He was re-elected as MP for Kajiado North in 2007 and had declared his intention to run for president before his untimely death in a helicopter crash in June 2012.

Kivutha Kibwana

Prof. Kivutha Kibwana is a respected academic, constitutional reformer, and two-term governor known for his transformative leadership and advocacy for human rights.

He studied law at the University of Nairobi, SOAS London, Harvard, and George Washington University. He also pursued theology at the African International University. Kibwana lectured at the University of Nairobi for over two decades, eventually serving as Dean and Associate Professor.

He became a key figure in Kenya’s pro-democracy movement in the 1990s, serving as spokesperson for the National Convention Assembly and the National Convention Executive Council. His political career began in 2003 as MP for Makueni, followed by cabinet roles including Minister for Environment and Lands. He chaired the 2006 UN Climate Change Conference (COP 12) in Nairobi.

Kibwana was elected Governor of Makueni County in 2013 and re-elected in 2017. After leaving office in 2022, he returned to academia and currently lectures Master of Laws students at Daystar University.

Sam Ongeri

Prof. Sam Ongeri’s journey from medicine to politics reflects a lifetime of service and resilience.

He trained as a doctor and surgeon at the University of Bombay and pursued further studies in London, Scotland, and Kenya. He joined the University of Nairobi’s School of Medicine in 1973 and served for 15 years earning the title of a Professor.

In 1988, Ongeri entered politics as the first MP for Nyaribari Masaba Constituency. He later represented Kenya as Permanent Representative to UNEP (1993–1997) and held cabinet posts including Minister for Education during the Grand Coalition government and later Minister for Foreign Affairs in 2012.

He served as Kenya’s Ambassador to UN-Habitat from 2013, then returned to elective politics and became Kisii Senator in 2017, serving until 2022.