GLADYS WANGA NYASUNA ATIENO
| NAME | GLADYS WANGA NYASUNA ATIENO |
| AGE | 44 YEARS |
| GENDER | FEMALE |
| OCCUPATION | POLITICIAN |
Gladys Wanga Nyasuna Atieno is a Kenyan politician and the current Governor of Homa Bay County.
Early life and education
Gladys Wanga was born on March 7, 1981, in Kisumu County, into a politically active family.
Her father, John Nyasuna, was a long-serving councillor and former chairperson of the Kisumu County Council, while her mother, Grace Olum, was a successful businesswoman.
Growing up as the firstborn in a family of seven children, Wanga was raised in a home that valued education, service, and leadership, values that would shape her career trajectory.
She began her education in Kisumu, where she demonstrated leadership qualities early on. Wanga attended Kisumu Girls’ High School, excelling academically and in extracurricular activities.
While serving as head girl, she developed a reputation for standing up for her peers and advocating for justice, even facing a temporary suspension for her activism.
She later completed her secondary education, attaining a B+ grade in her Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations.
In 2000, Wanga joined Kenyatta University and enrolled in the School of Public Health to study Health Management.
While pursuing her undergraduate degree, she broke barriers by becoming the first female Secretary-General of the Kenyatta University Students’ Association, demonstrating her natural leadership abilities and resilience in a male-dominated environment.
She graduated in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Management.
Wanga returned to Kenyatta University and earned a Master of Science in Health Management in 2012.
During this period, she also completed a Diploma in Project Management at the Kenya Institute of Management, equipping her with practical skills for managing large-scale public health and development projects.
Career
Professional Career
Wanga began her professional career in the health sector shortly after completing her undergraduate studies.
She joined Liverpool VCT, Care and Treatment (LVCT), a leading non-governmental organization specializing in HIV prevention, care, and treatment programs across Kenya.
Between 2004 and 2006, she worked as a Program Officer, coordinating outreach initiatives aimed at improving access to HIV testing and treatment services in underserved communities.
Her exceptional performance earned her a promotion to Program Manager, a role she held from 2007 to 2009, where she oversaw the design, implementation, and monitoring of large-scale health programs.
In 2010, Wanga rose to the position of Director of Programs at LVCT, a leadership role she held until 2013, when she decided to join politics.
Political Career
Gladys Wanga made her political debut in the 2013 General Election, contesting for the Homa Bay County Woman Representative seat on an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket.
She won decisively, becoming the first Woman Representative in the county.
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In Parliament, she quickly distinguished herself as a vocal legislator and reform advocate, serving as the Vice-Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Finance, Planning, and Trade.
In the 2017 General Election, Wanga successfully defended her seat, continuing her work in Parliament with a focus on devolution, gender equality, and public health.
During her second term, she was elected Chairperson of the Finance and National Planning Committee, becoming the first woman to lead this influential committee.
As the 2022 General Election approached, Wanga set her sights on the governorship of Homa Bay County, aiming to succeed outgoing Governor Cyprian Awiti, securing the ODM nomination after a competitive process.
Her main challenger in the general election was Evans Kidero, a former Nairobi governor running as an independent candidate.
On August 9, 2022, Wanga won the gubernatorial race, making history as the first female governor of Homa Bay County.
As governor, Wanga has prioritized reforms in healthcare, agricultural development, and cross-border trade, while also championing policies that empower women and youth.
Net worth
Although the exact details of Governor Gladys Wanga’s net worth are not publicly disclosed, she earns a substantial monthly salary in her role as county governor. Her gross remuneration is estimated at Ksh924,000, which includes:
- Basic salary
- House allowance
- Salary market adjustment
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In addition to her salary, Governor Wanga is entitled to a comprehensive package of benefits and allowances, which typically include:
- An official vehicle (up to 3,000cc) or a car allowance
- Medical insurance covering the governor, spouse, and up to four dependent children
- Airtime allowance of up to Ksh20,000 per month
- Official residence, security detail, and travel subsistence allowances as per SRC guidelines
- Retirement benefits, including a gratuity equivalent to 31% of annual pensionable income or contributions to a recognized pension scheme
- Group life insurance valued at three times the annual pensionable earnings
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