By Fatuma Rashid
Laikipia County Secretary and Head of Public Service, Mr Koinange Wahome has been voted the county’s person of the year.
The Laikipian of the Year Award recognizes indigenous Laikipians who have excelled in different fields and made a positive impact in society.
The awards were organized by Laikipia Ni Sisi, a local community-based organization that promotes excellence in the county.
The CBO’s secretary, Mr Keneth Kamau, said nomination alone was a mark of impact.
“The public vote did not create impact, it affirmed it,” he said while releasing the results.
Mr Koinange garnered 43.2 per cent of the votes cast. Organisers said he was recognised for advancing rural economic regeneration and institutional development across the county.
While accepting the award, Mr Koinange, the 2027 Laikipia gubernatorial frontrunner, described the recognition as humbling.
“I dedicate the award to all the county employees who wake up every day to serve with diligence and all the Laikipians who believe in a vision for a better and prosperous county,” he said.
Principal Secretary for Wildlife, Ms Sylvia Museiya finished second with 38.4 per cent of the vote. She was recognised for youth-driven leadership and empowerment-focused conservation efforts.
Mr Kamau said her strong showing reflected public appreciation for inclusive, youth-centered conservation.
Senior finance expert, civic oversight advocate and serial litigant, Mr Francis Chubi emerged third with 18.3 per cent of the votes.
“He has been strengthening accountability and citizen participation,” Mr Kamau said.
Residents nominated candidates by submitting names for the ‘most impactful person of the year 2025’.
Seven nominees met the minimum threshold of 20 votes before being subjected to public voting across all Laikipia County social media platforms.
They were Francis Chubi (46 votes), Sylvia Museiya (42), Koinange Wahome (38), Lekopien Parletto (26), Daniel Ngumi (22), Sarolyne Mwendia (22) and Eunice Mukami (20).
In previous editions, the awards ranked top women, men and enterprises.
“Now with the Laikipian of the Year Award, we can only expect it to even get better with physical award ceremony and gala event. Congratulations to the 2025 winners,” said Mr Kamau.
