By Benedict Ngetich
Dr. Erick Mutai, a former lecturer from Embu University is the new Governor of Kericho County taking over from another former don, Professor Paul Kiprono
He won the gubernatorial contest to lead the county of Kericho with 316,768 votes.
Dr. Mutai – who has lectured at Embu University for five years – coincidentally inherits the seat from the first governor of the county Professor Paul Kiprono Chepkwony, who was also a Chemistry lecturer at Moi University.
His candidature was not taken seriously since he lacked resources to mount an expansive campaign and he was also fighting against powerful figures like the former Energy Permanent Secretary (PS) Mr. Charles Keter.
Dr. Mutai says that education is high in his list of priorities followed by agriculture which will be his key to unlocking Kericho’s economic growth.
“For years, tea, maize, coffee, and sugarcane have been the only cash crops grown by Kericho farmers. We have to diversity and produce more and move a step further and delve into value addition of the products,” he said.
