Evans Kapkea has officially been sworn in as the new Deputy Governor of Uasin Gishu County at the Eldoret High Court.
He succeeds John Barorot, who resigned after serving in the position for two years under Governor Jonathan Bii.
Kapkea’s appointment follows a Gazette notice issued by Edwin Bett, the County Secretary and Chairperson of the Assumption of Office of the Deputy Governor Committee.
The notice confirmed that the swearing-in ceremony would take place on November 14, 2024, at the county headquarters.
“The swearing-in ceremony of Evans Kipruto Kapkea as the Deputy Governor of Uasin Gishu County will be held on Thursday, 14th November 2024, starting at 10:15 a.m. at the Uasin Gishu County Headquarters,” the notice, dated October 22, announced.
Governor Jonathan Bii had formally appointed Kapkea as the new Deputy Governor following a court ruling on October 14.
The Eldoret High Court, led by Justice Reuben Nyakundi, instructed the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and Governor Bii to gazette Kapkea’s appointment after ruling in favor of his selection.
“In exercise of the powers conferred under Chapter Eleven of the Constitution of Kenya, Section 32D of the County Governments Act, 2012, and the Judgment of the High Court of Kenya at Eldoret in Constitutional Petition No. E24 of 2024, I, Jonathan Bii Chelilim, Governor of Uasin Gishu County, appoint Evans Kipruto Kapkea as the Deputy Governor of Uasin Gishu County,” the Gazette notice read.
Governor Bii revealed that Barorot had resigned after securing a position with an international organization.
He described Barorot as a friend and mentioned that they had several discussions before the resignation.
Kapkea’s career has seen him rise from serving as the Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Tembelio Ward to his current position.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Eldoret and is pursuing a Master’s degree in the same field at Moi University.
Kapkea has also held leadership roles in the County Assembly, including serving as the chairperson of the Trade, Industrialization, Tourism, and Investment Committee.
Additionally, he is a member of the Budget, Finance, and Appropriation Committee, the Health Committee, and the Delegated Legislation Committee.
Governor Bii took to X (formerly Twitter) to congratulate his new Deputy Governor: “Congratulations, Deputy Governor Hon Kapkea Evans, and welcome to this shared journey of service and growth.
Your entry into this government is a significant asset to our mission, strengthening our commitment to deliver meaningful progress for the people of Uasin Gishu.”