Evans Kimori: Engineer turned leader eyes Nakuru Governor's seat

Engineer Evans Kimori is a name that has repeatedly made headlines over the past month.

From leading Nakuru residents in petitioning the Nakuru County Assembly to question Governor Susan Kihika’s absence, to writing a letter to U.S. President Donald Trump, requesting her deportation back to Kenya, Kimori has certainly made his mark.

His actions are part of a bold push to advocate for better governance in Nakuru County.

In an exclusive interview with Mtaa Wangu, Mr Kimori reveals that his passion for leadership and good governance was instilled in him from an early age. Born and raised in Nakuru County, Engineer Kimori is a proud alumnus of Molo Primary School and Kabarak High School.

He served as a school prefect while in high school, an experience he credits with shaping his leadership values—anchored in discipline and Christianity.

Kimori says he carried these values through to his time at the University of Nairobi, where he pursued a degree in civil engineering. While there, he also served as a student leader under the Students Organization of Nairobi University (SONU).

“My late father was also a civil engineer. He was the one who inspired me to pursue the profession. I worked under the Kenya National Highway Authority (KENHA) for five years before I resigned to join politics,” he says.

At 35, Kimori draws inspiration from legendary leaders like Nelson Mandela. By reading Mandela’s works, especially Long Walk to Freedom, he has found motivation and direction.

“In the book, Mandela says: ‘Youth should not only complain about what they don’t want, they should know what they want.’ That quote drives me. I know what I want—and that’s to become the Governor of Nakuru County in 2027,” he declares.

In the past month Kimori has been very vocal with regards to questioning the absence of the Governor.

“It all started when I attended a court session in relation to the case of Brian Odhiambo. After the court proceedings a group of youth approached me, questioning the silence of the County Government on the matter. That is why I wrote a petition to the County Assembly questioning the absence of the Governor” he notes. 

He expresses concern about the dire state of Nakuru’s healthcare system and what he describes as a growing disconnect between the leadership and the citizens.

“When I become Governor, my first priority will be to establish a clear and open line of communication between the government and the people of Nakuru. That trust has been missing for some time, and once it's restored, I believe we can achieve great things together,” he states.

Kimori says he welcomes criticism and acknowledges that Governor Kihika has her own supporters. However, he believes his background as a SONU student leader has prepared him for the challenges of political life.

“I envision a county that puts its people first—a county that is pro-people. That’s what we’re missing right now, but I don’t think it will be that way for much longer. I’ve been in politics for the past 15 years, and I know I have what it takes to take Nakuru to greater heights,” he concludes.

To date, Kimori takes pride in having established his own civil engineering firm, which offers both consultancy and construction services. He has overseen the construction of boreholes across the country and supervised road projects in various parts of Kenya.

Despite a packed professional schedule, he still finds time for personal passions. “I enjoy listening to music and I love to travel,” he says.