Baringo County Political Profile Toward 2027

In Kenya’s Rift Valley, Baringo County stands as a land of striking contrasts vast arid rangelands, fertile highlands, scenic lakes (Baringo and Bogoria), and rich cultural heritage.

From its roots in pastoralism and agriculture to its ongoing challenges brought by banditry, climate variability, and infrastructure gaps. Baringo embodies resilience amid volatility. Its strategic location and resources position it as a key player in Kenya’s northern Rift economy.

County Identity and Demographics 

• Motto/Tagline: “County of Great Diversity”

This reflects the county's rich diversity in ethnic communities (including the Tugen, Pokot, Ilchamus and others), landscape (highlands, valleys, lakes, escarpements and semi-arid areas)

• Area: ~11,075 km²

• Population: 666,763 (2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census)

• Projected Population (2026): ~730,000+

  • Headquarters: Kabarnet

  • City Status: No city status; growing urban centres include Eldama Ravine, Kabarnet and Marigat.

  • Constituencies: 6 — Baringo Central, Baringo North, Baringo South, Eldama Ravine, Mogotio, Tiaty

• Wards: 30 Wards 

Members of Parliament (2022–2027)

• Baringo Central – Joshua Chepyegon Kandie (UDA)
• Baringo North – Joseph Kipkoross Makilap (UDA)
• Baringo South – Charles Kamuren (UDA)
• Eldama Ravine – Musa Sirma Cherutich (UDA)
• Mogotio – Reuben Kiborek (UDA)
• Tiaty – William Kamket Kassait (KANU)

Political Election History

2022 Gubernatorial Election (Certified IEBC Results)

• Governor: Benjamin C. Cheboi (UDA)

• Deputy Governor: Charles Kipng'ok 

Benjamin Cheboi and his deputy won the election with 137,486  votes. The key opponents were: Moses Lessonet (IND) who got 60,879 and Stanley Kiptis (IND) who garnered 17,646 .

The registered voters were 281,107 whereas the turnout during the elections was at 77.59%.

Shortly after the swearing-in, the Deputy Governor Charles Kipng'ok passed away and Felix Kipng'ok Maiyo was nominated and appointed as the Deputy Governor. 

2017 Gubernatorial Election

• Governor: Stanley Kiptis (Jubilee)

• Deputy Governor: CPA Richard Koech

The 2017 General Election won by Jubilee party candidate, Stanley Kiptis and his deputy CPA Richard Koech with 137,176  votes. This was against their key opponent, Isaac Kiprop Chebon of KANU party garnered 52,176.

The registered voters were 232,311 whereas the turnout during the elections was at 82.29%.

2013 Gubernatorial Election

• Governor: Benjamin Chesire Cheboi (URP Party)

• Deputy Governor: Mathew Tuitoek

The first election of Governor of Baringo saw URP party candidate, Benjamin Cheboi win the election with 99,356  votes. KANU's candidate Stanley Kiptis became the second with 44,883 votes while independent candidate and Aaron Tuikong garnered 5,066 votes. 

•The registered voters were 174,136 whereas the turnout during the elections was at 90.00%.

Senate and Women Representative

2022

• Senator: William Cheptumo (UDA) defeated the KANU chairman, Gideon Moi after winning with 141,177 votes. He was however succeeded by Vincent Kiprono Chemitei (UDA) via 2025 by-election following William Cheptumo’s death.

• Women Rep: Florence Jematiah Sergon (UDA) defeated KANU's Gladwel Cheruiyot who occupied the seat after garnering, 144,039 votes.

2017

• Senator: Gideon Moi (KANU) retained the seat after garnering 116,290 votes. He defeated Jubilee Party's Simon Chelugui.

• Women Rep: Gladwell Cheruiyot (Jubilee) clinched the position after garnering 64,319 votes.

2013

• Senator: Gideon Moi (KANU) won with 124,425 votesas the first senator of Baringo.

• Women Rep: Grace J Kiptui (URP) won the seat with 118,163 votes.

Political Behavior

Clear one-term governor trend can be noted. Benjamin Cheboi (2013–2017) was voted out; Stanley Kiptis (2017–2022) was voted out; Cheboi returned in 2022.

Also, no woman representative who has won more than one election. In 2013, Grace Kiptui got elected and in 2017 Gladwell Cheruiyot was elected and  she was defeated in 2022 by Florence Jematiah Sergon.

This reflects strong voter expectations around performance, particularly on security and development.

Key issues that arise are: security, water, agriculture, and youth employment.

As of 2026, visible projects continue alongside scrutiny on sectors like health.

Economic Activities: Profound Explanation

Baringo County’s economy is predominantly agro-pastoral, reflecting its ecological diversity fertile highlands: (Eldama Ravine, Baringo Central, parts of Mogotio), mid-zones, and vast arid/semi-arid lowlands (Tiaty, Baringo South).

Key focus areas include agriculture, livestock, water infrastructure, climate-resilient irrigation, and skills development to drive wealth creation and resilience.

1. Agriculture & Crop Production (Core Economic Driver)

• High-potential zones support rain-fed maize, dairy, horticulture (fruits, vegetables), coffee revival, and cash crops. Farmers are encouraged to embrace agri-business for higher incomes.

• Strong emphasis on climate-resilient irrigation (e.g., Marigat and Perkerra areas).

• Value addition through processing (dairy, fruits, honey) and market linkages.

• Historically the largest sector (>50-60% of GCP); the 2023-2027 CIDP prioritizes productivity and wealth creation.

2. Livestock & Pastoralism

• Backbone for arid-zone communities (Tugen, Pokot, Ilchamus, Endorois).

• Includes cattle, goats, sheep, camels, and beekeeping.

• Challenges: drought, disease, and insecurity. Resilience efforts involve partnerships with FAO, WFP, and NDMA.

3. Tourism & Blue Economy

• Lakes Baringo & Bogoria offer birdwatching, hot springs, flamingos, and cultural tourism.

• Fisheries (tilapia) and cage farming promoted for diversification.

4. Emerging & Support Sectors

• Small-scale mining (diatomite, fluorspar).

• Renewables (solar, potential geothermal).

• Agro-processing, SMEs, and major investments in water infrastructure (boreholes, roads).

Overall Economic Outlook (2023–2027 CIDP): Emphasis on productivity, project completion, service delivery, climate action, investment attraction, and youth empowerment. Partnerships with actors like World Vision and Kerio Valley Development Authority are central.

Persistent Constraints:

Banditry (especially Tiaty/northern areas), climate variability, poor market infrastructure, and limited value addition.

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