Susan Wakarura Kihika is a Kenyan lawyer and politician who became the third Governor of Nakuru County and the first woman to hold the office. She is among the most prominent political figures to emerge from Nakuru County and has served in several leadership positions at both county and national levels.
Since entering elective politics in 2013, Kihika has played a significant role in the development of devolved governance in Kenya and has become one of the most influential female political leaders in the Rift Valley region.
Early Life and Education
Susan Kihika was born in 1974 and is the daughter of the late Kihika Kimani, a veteran politician who served as Member of Parliament for Nakuru North and was one of Kenya’s most influential political figures during the post-independence era.
She received part of her education in Kenya before pursuing higher education in the United States. She studied law and was admitted to the Bar in the State of Texas, building a successful legal career before returning to active politics in Kenya.
Entry into Politics
Kihika entered elective politics during the 2013 General Election following the introduction of county governments under Kenya’s new Constitution.
She was elected as the first Speaker of the Nakuru County Assembly in 2013, becoming one of the earliest leaders to help shape county governance following devolution.
During her tenure, she oversaw the formative years of the County Assembly and played a key role in establishing legislative procedures and structures for Nakuru County.
Senator for Nakuru County
In the 2017 General Election, Susan Kihika was elected Senator for Nakuru County on a Jubilee Party ticket.
As a Senator, she represented Nakuru residents in the Kenyan Senate and participated in debates on devolution, county finances, legislation, and national governance. She also served in leadership roles within the Senate and became a prominent voice within the ruling political coalition.
Governor of Nakuru County
In the 2022 General Election, Susan Kihika was elected Governor of Nakuru County, succeeding Governor Lee Kinyanjui.
Her election was historic because she became the first woman to serve as Governor of Nakuru County since the creation of county governments in 2013.
As Governor, Kihika’s administration has focused on infrastructure development, healthcare services, water projects, agriculture, youth empowerment, and urban development. Her tenure has also seen renewed investment in sporting facilities, including the continued modernisation of Afraha Stadium and support for grassroots sports initiatives such as the Nakuru County Governor’s Cup.
Political Legacy
Susan Kihika’s political career reflects the growing participation of women in leadership positions in Kenya. As Speaker, Senator, and Governor, she has held three of the most significant political offices available within county and national governance structures.
Her rise to become Nakuru’s first female governor represents an important milestone in the political history of Nakuru County and serves as a notable example of women’s leadership in Kenyan politics.
Political Realignment and National Politics
Susan Kihika played a prominent role in the political realignments that followed the fallout between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto during the latter years of the Jubilee administration.
In 2020, Kihika and Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen were removed from their leadership positions in the Senate as divisions within the ruling Jubilee Party deepened. Kihika lost her position as Senate Majority Whip, while Murkomen was removed as Senate Majority Leader. The changes were widely viewed as part of a broader purge of leaders perceived to be loyal to Deputy President Ruto.
Following the split within Jubilee, Kihika became one of the key political figures who joined Ruto’s political movement, which eventually culminated in the formation and growth of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party. She emerged as one of the most visible UDA leaders in the Rift Valley and played an active role in mobilising support for the party ahead of the 2022 General Election.
One of the most dramatic moments of her political career occurred during the 2021 by-election campaigns in London Ward, Nakuru County, when police dispersed supporters and political leaders with tear gas during a tense campaign period. Kihika was among the leaders caught up in the confrontation, an incident that received national media attention and highlighted the intense political competition that characterised the period leading to the 2022 elections.
Personal Life
Susan Kihika is married to businessman Sam Mburu. The couple has been active in both business and public life and are among the most recognisable families in Nakuru County’s contemporary political landscape.
Notable Milestones
In 2025, Susan Kihika made national history by giving birth to twins while serving as the Governor of Nakuru County. The event attracted widespread public interest and discussion about women in leadership, work-life balance, and maternity in public office.
Her return to official duties after the birth was widely covered in the media and became a notable moment in the history of womenβs political leadership in Kenya.
Significance to Nakuru History
Susan Kihika occupies a unique place in the history of Nakuru County as:
- The first female Governor of Nakuru County.
- The first Speaker of the Nakuru County Assembly.
- One of the most prominent female political leaders from the Rift Valley region.
- A key figure in the evolution of devolved governance in Nakuru County.
Her leadership forms part of the broader story of political development and democratic governance in Nakuru during the era of devolution.
Timeline
2013 β Elected first Speaker of the Nakuru County Assembly.
2017 β Elected Senator for Nakuru County.
2022 β Elected Governor of Nakuru County.
2025 β Oversaw the launch of Phase Two construction works at Afraha Stadium in partnership with the Kenya Defence Forces.
2026 β Launched the inaugural Nakuru County Governor’s Cup football tournament.
