Amos Kimwomi Nyaribo is the current Governor of Nyamira County, who was elected through the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) party ticket.

But presently, he is facing an impeachment trial in the Senate.

Nyaribo’s Early Life and Education Background

Amos was born in the Magwagwa area, initially known as North Mugirango Constituency, which is currently referred to as Nyamira County.

He is from the Abagirango clan, one of the most respected communities within the Gisii people.

Amos began schooling in the late 1960s in a local primary school in Magwagwa, and in the mid-1970s, he completed his Certificate of Primary Education (CPE).

He later joined secondary school, where he completed his O-Level education in 1978 and enrolled in advanced A-Levels, which he completed in 1980.

Nyaribo enrolled again in advanced professional training, where he qualified as a Chartered Accountant by the late 1980s.

He also earned a Bachelor of Commerce (BCOM) degree and completed his Chartered Accountant certification by 1988.

Professional career

Nyaribo worked in both public and private enterprises, which included state corporations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), after completing his studies.

He worked as the financial officer and as a senior manager in programs focused on rural development and institutional reform in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

In 2006, alongside his public service career, Nyaribo expanded into the private sector as an entrepreneur.

Amos invested in real estate development in two counties, including Nyamira and Kisii towns, which facilitated the growth of residential and commercial properties.

He founded a dry-cleaning business, which provided employment opportunities for residents and helped diversify his business portfolio.

Additionally, he balanced his private ventures with advisory work for non-governmental organizations, particularly those focused on rural empowerment and infrastructure improvement from 2006 to 2012.

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Political career

Amos Nyaribo joined the political arena in 2017.

He expressed his interest in running for the gubernatorial seat under the Amani National Congress (ANC).

Nyaribo changed his mind before the election and joined forces with John Obiero Nyagarama, who was seeking re-election as governor under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

They won the 2017 general elections, and he became the Deputy Governor of Nyamira County.

He was assigned the oversight role of the county’s Finance and Economic Planning department from 2017 to 2020.

In his tenure, Nyaribo improved revenue collection, controlled expenditure, and addressed payroll irregularities.

However, in 2018, Governor Nyagarama had traveled abroad, Nyaribo initiated a bold anti-corruption measure by dismissing several payroll officers following an internal audit that exposed the existence of ghost workers drawing county salaries.

This move created tension between him and Nyagarama’s close allies.

Amos Nyaribo assumed the office of the Governor on December 29, 2020, after the death of Governor Nyagarama.

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Nyaribo as Governor 2022 Gubernatorial Race

Ahead of 2022 general elections, he shifted his political allegiance from ANC to UPA, which was under the Azimio la Umoja coalition led by Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

He successfully defended his seat, garnering 82,090 votes against Walter Nyambati of UDA, who received 49,281 votes.

In 2023, he survived his first impeachment attempt and the second one survived in September 2024.

Salary and Net worth

As governor, Amos Nyaribo earns a monthly gross salary of Ksh957 000 according to the latest gazette notice by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission.

This amount includes a basic salary of Ksh 574,200, a house allowance of Ksh 200,000, and a salary market adjustment of KES 182,800, along with a commuter allowance. 

He is also entitled to an official government car not exceeding 3,000 cc and free medical cover worth over sh 10 million for himself, his wife, and four children below the age of 25.

Additionally, he is entitled to free life and personal accident insurance, a car loan of Ksh10 million, and a mortgage of Ksh40 million at an interest rate of 3% per annum.

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Governor Amos Nyaribo speaking at past event. PHOTO/W