Kericho Governor Professor Paul Kiprono Chepkwony might just be arguably one of the most humble if not the most humble politician in Kenya.
With the glitz and glamour that comes with being a politician in Kenya, the Kericho County boss has chosen a life away from the opulence associated with a majority of Kenyan leaders.
On October 4, a YouTube channel, Kenyan Historian released a video interview with the governor in which he revealed that he lives in an old house, has one security guard, and a gardener.
In addition to that, unlike other politicians, Governor Chepkwony moves around in one car, without an escort.
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He argued that he does not need to move around in a huge motorcade, alleging that politicians that do so have something to hide.
"It's very important that resources must not be wasted. When you have a lot of security around you, you attract enemies because it seems there is something you are hiding."
"Why do you need so many trails of cars pushing people off the road?" He posed.
According to the governor, the house he lives in was built in 1937.
"This house was built in 1937, a very old house. The floor is actually made of timber. No matter how big a residence is, you will sleep in one bedroom and on one bed, the rest of the rooms will be idle. All I need is what is adequate for me," he stated.
Governorship
Chepkwony is serving his second term as Kericho Governor and during his reign, has been credited with major development projects in the county.
Among his notable developments include the building of a network of roads, the building of Early Childhood Development (ECD) classrooms, employing teachers, and the construction of water infrastructure.
Career
Before becoming a governor, he was a professor of pharmaceutical chemistry at Moi University where he is is still an Associate Professor.
Apart from his leadership pragmatism and academic angles, the Professor also has a keen interest in areas of research and innovation, himself holding over ten patents to his name on various innovations.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and graduated at the top of his class in 1992 from the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).
Governor Chepkwony also holds a Master's degree in Chemistry from the University of Nairobi and a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from JKUAT.
