Haunted by NHIF, driven by legacy: Geoffrey Mwangi wants to be Nakuru governor

You served as the Chief Executive Officer at the defunct NHIF. What were your achievements at the organisation?

I joined the civil service in 1988 as a clerical officer and worked my way up until I was selected to head NHIF in February 2016. When I became CEO, NHIF had an asset base of Sh14 billion, which I grew to Sh65 billion by the time I exited in 2018. I achieved this remarkable growth without increasing members’ contributions, enhancing NHIF’s financial strength and ensuring a more robust and sustainable health insurance fund for Kenyans.

During my tenure, we introduced free maternal healthcare, known as Linda Mama. This initiative significantly reduced the maternal mortality rate from 488 to 362 per 1,000 births, saving the lives of over 2,000 mothers. I also spearheaded the digitization of NHIF systems, leading to electronic claims processing and digital delivery services.

I expanded NHIF membership and coverage, introduced new benefit packages, and improved claims processing and customer service.

Additionally, I launched Ed-afya, a medical cover for students in public schools, ensuring that young learners had access to healthcare, which reduced absenteeism due to illness and promoted a healthier learning environment.

I worked on strengthening partnerships with private hospitals, which increased access to high-quality healthcare for insured Kenyans.

In 2018, you faced a downward spiral when the DPP accused you of obstructing investigations, leading to court charges. What was that about?

That was the lowest moment of my career. I had done nothing wrong, and the DPP eventually withdrew the charges against me. I was cleared of all allegations, and now I am focusing on my next steps.

What lessons have you learned from your experience at NHIF?

One of the most profound lessons I have learned is that honesty is key in public service. This understanding has shaped my approach as I seek a political seat in Nakuru County.

Since its establishment in October last year, the Social Health Authority (SHA) has been a topic of discussion. As a former NHIF boss, what are your thoughts on the initiative?

The law itself is sound, but the issue lies with those implementing SHA. They do not fully understand it, and they complicated the implementation by introducing additional aspects that created challenges. The government needs to appoint the right people to lead the implementation of SHA, ensuring they have the management skills and the required understanding.

Who is Geoffrey Mwangi?

I am a son of Kamwaura, Molo Sub-county in Nakuru County, where I was born and raised. I come from a humble background, struggling through school while my parents managed a small-scale farm. I attended primary school in Molo town before joining Afraha High School in Nakuru town. At a young age, I was a dedicated altar boy and engaged in community and church work. In 1998, I moved to Githurai in Nairobi, where I rented a one-room house. I became the CEO of the defunct NHIF in 2016 after serving as the finance and investments manager at the organization.

You had a successful career in civil service. What motivated you to join politics?

My quest for good leadership in my home county inspired me to pursue the Nakuru governorship. I have observed the developments in our county since the onset of devolution, and the situation has been lacking.

Nakuru County needs a tested and experienced manager who genuinely has the interests of the people at heart. And I believe I am that person.

What is your plan for the people of Nakuru County?

I will bring transformative leadership to this great county. Nakuru has significant economic potential, with a thriving agricultural sector that includes opportunities in crop farming, livestock rearing, dairy farming, and horticulture. To address the rising unemployment rate, especially among youth, I will promote agribusiness as a solution for job creation and wealth generation.

Nakuru’s strategic location, infrastructure, and skilled workforce make it ideal for manufacturing and industrial investments. I will encourage investments in food processing, textiles, construction materials, and automotive components.

I will implement prudent resource management, aiming to increase local revenue collection to Sh9 billion and fully automate revenue collection to close existing loopholes.

What do you hope to achieve if elected the fourth governor of Nakuru County?

In my first year, I will work on restoring the public’s confidence by ensuring transparency and accountability in leadership. With the right people in key positions, we can turn around the fortunes of this great county.

I will work closely with investors to encourage them to invest in our county.

Encouraging young people to acquire skills that will enable them to be self-employed is another key priority area that I intend to explore.

Regarding Nakuru’s cosmopolitan nature, what kind of political approach do you expect to take as you seek the governorship?

I have studied and understood the politics of Nakuru to the extent that it requires a sober and unifying leader. I am capable of bringing people together. I have been collaborating with individuals from various ethnic groups, and I intend to continue doing so during the campaign period and beyond. Nakuru needs someone who can unite the people. I have already held meetings with leaders from different ethnic backgrounds to promote unity in the county.

You were seen visiting former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at his rural residence in Wamunyoro, Nyeri County. What was the purpose of that visit?

As a politician, I closely monitor unfolding political events to make informed decisions. The politics of Nakuru County are significantly influenced by developments in Mt Kenya.

It is essential to consult with all leaders, and that does not imply I have aligned myself with any particular political faction. I have friends even in the current government. The former Deputy President is among the influential politicians in the country, and it was necessary to consult with him.

Why do you want to be the governor of Nakuru?

For too long, Nakuru has been given a raw deal when it comes to electing its leaders. Most of those who have succeeded as governors are largely outsiders.

I was born and raised in Nakuru, and it is now time for a genuine resident of Nakuru to take up the leadership of the county. As a Nakuru local, I understand the people, and I will serve them well because I am not here for a job, I am here to offer service to my community. Nakuru has long been short-changed in leadership, but 2027 will be different.