Fernandes Barasa

Fernandes Barasa is the current Governor of Kakamega County, Kenya, elected in 2022 under the ODM party. Born in 1968 in Mumias East, he is a trained accountant with a Bachelor of Commerce and MBA from Kenyatta University, and he is pursuing a Ph.D. in Accounting and Finance at the University of Nairobi. Before joining politics, Barasa built a strong career in finance, serving as CFO and later CEO of the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO), and also chaired the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK). His administration in Kakamega is anchored on a six-point agenda focusing on healthcare, infrastructure, education, water, agriculture, and youth empowerment. Notable achievements include expanding Kakamega General Hospital, increasing clean water access, maintaining over 1,100 km of roads, and supporting youth and women through programs like Kazi Mashinani. While he has earned recognition such as the Order of Grand Warrior (OGW), he has also faced scrutiny over financial dealings during his tenure at KETRACO.