Profile: Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o

The current governor of Kisumu county, Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o studied at Alliance High School and Makerere University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science & Philosophy; he graduated with a first class.

He was also a student leader at university.

He went on to join the University of Chicago for a degree in Political Science, and a Master’s in Political Economy from the same university.

When he returned to Kenya, he taught at the University of Nairobi between 1977 and 1981. In 1982, he took up the role of a Visiting Research Officer at the El Colegio De Mexico for two years, returning to Africa as an Associate Professor at the University of Addis Ababa in Ethiopia until 1986. In 1987, he took up the position of Head of Programs at the African Academy of Studies where he served until 1991.

In 1992, he joined active politics, running for and winning the Kisumu Rural MP’s seat on a Ford Kenya ticket in 1993. He successfully defended the seat in subsequent elections under Narc and ODM, until 2013 when he was elected Kisumu County Senator. He was elected Governor in 2017.

An accomplished scholar, Prof Nyong’o has also led a distinguished life in public service, also serving as minister in the grand coalition government (2008 to 2013).