WILBER OTTICHILO KHASILWA
| NAME | WILBER OTTICHILO KHASILWA |
| AGE | 73 YEARS |
| GENDER | MALE |
| OCCUPATION | POLITICIAN |
Wilber Ottichilo Khasilwa is a Kenyan politician and the current governor of Vihiga County under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.
Early life and education
Dr. Wilber Khasilwa Ottichilo was born on September 23, 1952, in Emanyinya village, Emusire sub-location, within Central Bunyore Ward in what is now Emuhaya sub-county.
He began his formal education in 1960 at Emanyinya Primary School, where he studied until 1968, successfully completing his primary education.
In 1968, he joined Emusire Secondary School, continuing there until 1971. His outstanding performance earned him admission to Makerere University in Uganda in 1974.
From 1974 to 1977, he pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resources, laying the foundation for his future specialization in conservation and resource management.
Ottichilo advanced his studies at the University of Nairobi between 1981 and 1983, where he earned a Master of Science degree in Biological Sciences, focusing on Conservation and Ecology.
In 1984, his academic journey took him abroad when he enrolled at Colorado State University in the United States.
There, he acquired additional qualifications in ecosystem management, resource planning, agricultural project analysis, and geographic information systems (GIS), equipping him with the technical expertise required for large-scale environmental and developmental projects.
Ottichilo later undertook his doctoral studies at the University of Wageningen and the International Institute for Earth Observation and Geoinformation in the Netherlands.
His PhD in Natural Resource Management and Space Science focused on using advanced space-based technologies, including satellite imaging and GIS, to monitor, manage, and conserve natural resources.
Through this robust educational foundation, spanning Kenya, Uganda, the United States, and the Netherlands, Ottichilo developed a rare combination of local insight and global technical knowledge.
Career
Professional career
Ottichilo’s career began shortly after completing his undergraduate studies, when he joined the Ministry of Agriculture in 1977 as a Research Officer.
In 1979, he transitioned to the Ministry of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, where he served as an Ecologist until 1984.
His expertise and dedication earned him a promotion, and between 1982 and 1991, he served as Deputy Director at the Department of Resource Surveys and Remote Sensing (DRSRS) within the Ministry of Planning and National Development.
From 1991 to 1997, he worked as a Remote Sensing Expert and Project Manager with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
During this time, he managed regional projects focused on sustainable agricultural practices, land use mapping, and cross-border environmental management, helping to build capacity in several East African countries.
Concurrently, between 1994 and 1997, he served as Deputy Director of Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), where he was instrumental in wildlife conservation efforts and policy formulation.
In 2000, Ottichilo was appointed Director General of the Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD), a specialized United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) institution based in Nairobi.
He held this position until 2008, leaving behind a legacy of modernization and regional cooperation in resource management.
Beyond his formal roles, Ottichilo contributed to numerous international initiatives and professional organizations.
He chaired several high-level committees and programs, including the Environmental Information System–Africa (EIS-Africa), Africa Geodetic Reference Frame (AFREF), and Vision Africa, which focused on harmonizing geospatial data and environmental information across the continent.
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He also played a key role in developing international geoinformation standards through the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ensuring that African countries adopted best practices in environmental data management.
Political career
Wilber Khasilwa Ottichilo made his entry into the political arena in 2008, transitioning from a distinguished career in environmental management to public service.
His political journey began with a by-election in Emuhaya Constituency, triggered when the incumbent Member of Parliament, Kenneth Marende, vacated the seat after being elected Speaker of the National Assembly.
Running on the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket, Dr. Ottichilo emerged victorious, marking the start of his legislative career.
During his tenure from 2008 to 2017, he served on several influential parliamentary committees, including the Transport Committee, where he contributed to improving infrastructure policy and planning, and the Education, Research & Technology Committee, where he supported initiatives to advance Kenya’s education system and promote innovation.
His most notable contributions, however, came through his work with the Environment & Natural Resources Committee, where he championed legislation and policies promoting sustainable resource use, environmental conservation, and climate change mitigation.
In the 2013 general elections, following the introduction of Kenya’s devolved system of government, Dr. Ottichilo successfully defended his parliamentary seat under the new political structure, continuing to serve the people of Emuhaya.
Ottichilo’s transition to county leadership came in 2017, when he contested the Vihiga County gubernatorial seat.
In the August 2017 general election, he defeated incumbent Governor Moses Akaranga to become the second Governor of Vihiga County.
In 2022, he successfully secured a second term as governor, reaffirming public confidence in his leadership.
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At the national level, Ottichilo serves as the Chairperson of the Environment and Climate Change Committee at the Council of Governors.
Net worth
Details about his net worth are not publicly available.
However, Wilber Ottichilo earns a gross salary of KSh990,000 as a county governor.
This includes:
- Basic salary: Ksh574,200
- House allowance: Ksh200,000
- Salary market adjustment: Ksh196,000
Wilber Ottichilo is also entitled to benefits and allowances such as:
- Official car (up to 3,000cc) or car allowance
- Medical cover for the governor, spouse, and up to four dependent children
- Airtime allowance: Up to Ksh20,000 per month
- Official residence, security, and travel subsistence allowances (per SRC-approved rates)
- Retirement benefits, including gratuity equivalent to 31% of annual pensionable income or contributions to an established pension scheme
- Group life insurance valued at three times the annual pensionable earnings
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