Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika Returns to Office After Five‑Month Absence

After more than five months away from her duties, Nakuru County Governor Susan Kihika has officially resumed office, chairing her first cabinet meeting on Tuesday, April 30, 2025. The governor had been on maternity leave, having travelled abroad late last year and only returning this week. Her long absence had sparked mounting concern and debate about who was steering county affairs in her absence.
Upon her return, Governor Kihika’s cabinet session focused on fast‑tracking stalled development projects and finalising the 2025/26 budget for the county. In her remarks after the meeting, she stressed the urgency of accelerating service delivery and completing key infrastructure works. Meanwhile, critics highlighted that her absence coincided with a deepening crisis in the county’s health system, including allegations of maternal deaths and mismanagement at the Nakuru Level Five Hospital.
Public reactions have been mixed. Some residents welcomed her return, urging immediate action to restore confidence and deliver on pending promises. Others remained skeptical, raising concerns about the governance vacuum created during her prolonged absence and the need for transparent accountability. Civic groups and opposition figures have called for clear measures to ensure that county leadership remains responsive and effective.
Looking ahead, all eyes are on how Governor Kihika leverages her resumed leadership to deliver visible results in Nakuru. Key areas to watch include whether the health‑sector issues are addressed swiftly, whether the previously set budget leads to tangible improvements, and how the county administration rebuilds trust with the public. Her ability to navigate these challenges will shape not only her credibility but also wider perceptions of leadership in Kenya’s devolved counties.