Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii is banking on his development record as he seeks to defend his seat in 2027.
He however faces an increasingly crowded contest within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Bii says more than 70 per cent of the projects initiated by his administration have been completed, with the remainder at various stages of implementation as he seeks a second term.
The governor says delivery of his Nguzo Kumi, or 10-point agenda, is on course.
Roads, water, health and education are among the sectors where his administration is seeking to demonstrate tangible results.
According to the county government, more than 1,200 kilometres of roads were graded during the 2025-26 financial year, while more than 30 bridges and box culverts were delivered.
The county has also allocated Sh415 million for flagship road projects in the current financial year.
Bii has also highlighted investments in water infrastructure and healthcare as part of his record.
The county says several health projects have been completed or are nearing completion, including facilities at Ziwa, Burnt Forest, Moiben and Huruma. Other hospitals remain under construction.
“Our focus remains to serve the people and transform Uasin Gishu, improving the livelihoods of residents through implementation of key projects that directly benefit them,” Bii said.
His administration has also promoted agricultural diversification, including efforts to encourage farmers to venture into coffee and other cash crops.
Bii’s supporters argue that the projects provide evidence of delivery during his first term.
The supporters, led by Benjamin Leting, have praised the governor for implementing programmes in education, including the expansion of ECDE infrastructure, provision of milk and employment of teachers.
“We support Bii because of the good work and his development record that is evident. He has done well in key sectors within the last four years and he clearly deserves a second term,” Leting said.
He also cited investments in healthcare, saying the governor had completed structures left unfinished by former governor Jackson Mandago.
The political contest, however, is moving beyond Bii’s development record as several figures position themselves for the governor’s seat.
Tourism Principal Secretary Julius Bitok has declared his intention to challenge Bii, reviving the rivalry between the two after Bii defeated him in the 2022 UDA nominations before winning the governorship.
Businessman Bundotich Zedekiah Kiprop Buzeki is also among those preparing for the race.
Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Uasin Gishu chairman Willy Kenei and Competition Authority of Kenya director general David Rotuk have also been mentioned in the contest.
The growing field means Bii’s biggest political test could come before the general election, with the UDA nominations likely to shape the race in the county.
Bii has nevertheless dismissed the challenge from his rivals, saying his performance record will speak for him.
He has told those eyeing the seat not to waste their resources campaigning against him, insisting his re-election is within reach.
“They should use their money wisely instead of engaging in an impossible mission to campaign against me. As of now, this county is locked until I complete my two terms in office,” Bii said.
His remarks come as rivals seek to build their own cases around leadership, development and the future direction of Uasin Gishu.
For Bii, the central argument is that roads, water, healthcare, education and agricultural programmes provide a record residents can assess.
For his challengers, the emerging contest provides an opportunity to argue that the county needs a different political direction.
The 2027 race is therefore shaping up around two questions: how residents judge Bii’s record after his first term, and whether his rivals can turn their challenge into a credible alternative within the UDA contest.
