Without the Finance Bill, Molo Member of Parliament Kimani Kuria, would probably be a silent backbencher in the National Assembly – warming seats and galloping allowances like most of his colleagues do today.
Kuria, now a household name in the country, is the man of the moment, defending an arguably, unpopular regime, for overtaxing Kenyans. Not an enviable job, but one that the youthful lawmaker loves, at least from his spirited debates. So, who is he?
Born in 1991 in Mukinyai village, Molo Constituency, Nakuru County, Francis Kimani Kuria is life began with adversity.
At just two years old, he nearly lost his sanity due to severe ulcers.
“At the age of 2, I had ulcers, and I was going crazy, “Kuria recounted in a previous interview.
Doctors suggested only a psychiatrist could help him.
Kuria’s childhood was challenging. Born to a 17-year-old mother, he was later raised by his grandfather after his mother married a man who made Kuria feel unloved.
“My mum got me when she was in form three and later decided to get married to someone, not my biological father; and that’s where life started hitting hard,” Kuria said.
Educational Struggles and Triumphs
Coming from a humble background, Kuria faced difficulties including completing homework due to lack of electricity, often waking up early to finish assignments at school.
Despite these bottlenecks, he excelled academically, scoring an A in the 2005 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).
He would later join Kenyatta University from 2007 to 2011 and earned a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance.
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During his second year at KU, he was elected chairperson of the Catholic Community, gaining mentorship from university leaders.
He furthered his education with a Master of Commerce in International Business Management from Strathmore Business School 2012-2014.
Currently he is pursuing a PhD at the University of Nairobi, according to Parliament’s website.
Kuria is also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA(K), having completed his certification independently.
Kimani Kuria Rise to Political Success
Before entering politics, Kuria had a successful career in finance, serving as Regional Finance Manager for Maryknoll Brothers and Director for the Africa Region at Waumini Sacco.
His political journey began in the 11th Parliament as a Finance and Planning Committee member, continuing through the 12th Parliament, and culminating in his current role as Chair of the powerful Budget & Appropriation Commitee.
He was elected on a Jubilee Party ticket for his first term in (2017-2022) and a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket for his second (2022-2027).
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Kuria has been recognized as a leader in youth empowerment, founding the Africa Young Parliamentarians Network and serving as the treasurer of Kenya Young Parliamentarians.
On June 18 at State House, after a Kenya Kwanza Parliamentary Group Meeting chaired by President William Ruto, Kuria announced sweeping amendments to the controversial Finance Bill 2024 that sparked protests within the Nairobi Central Business.
Controversies and Forthright Views
Kuria’s career hasn’t been without controversy.
On July 4, 2019, he caused a stir by appearing intoxicated at an anti-drug abuse meeting in Molo.
He later publicly apologized and reaffirmed his commitment to combating illicit brews in the area.
Kuria describes himself as a “Loving Father and Husband” on (X) Account.
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