By Robert Mutasi 
Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii is highlighting his administration’s development record as he prepares to seek a second term in the 2027 General Election, even as several aspirants position themselves for the United Democratic Alliance nomination.
Bii says more than 70 per cent of projects initiated by his administration have been completed, while the remaining projects are at different stages of implementation.
The governor has maintained that his Nguzo Kumi, or 10-point development agenda, remains on course, with roads, water, healthcare and education among the key areas where his administration is seeking to demonstrate progress.
According to the county government, more than 1,200 kilometres of roads were graded during the 2025/26 financial year. The administration also says more than 30 bridges and box culverts were completed during the period.
For the current financial year, the county has set aside Sh415 million for flagship road projects as part of efforts to improve transport infrastructure across Uasin Gishu.
Bii has also pointed to investments in the health and water sectors as part of his first-term record.
Several health projects have either been completed or are nearing completion in areas including Ziwa, Burnt Forest, Moiben and Huruma, while other facilities remain under construction.
“Our focus remains to serve the people and transform Uasin Gishu, improving the livelihoods of residents through implementation of key projects that directly benefit them,” Bii said.
His administration has also pursued agricultural diversification, encouraging farmers to venture into coffee and other cash crops as part of efforts to broaden sources of income beyond traditional agricultural activities.
Bii’s supporters say the projects demonstrate progress during his first term.
The supporters, led by Benjamin Leting, have cited programmes in education, including the expansion of early childhood development and education infrastructure, provision of milk to learners and employment of teachers.
“We support Bii because of his good work and his development record that is evident. He has done well in key sectors within the last four years and he clearly deserves a second term,” Leting said.
Leting also pointed to investments in healthcare, including the completion of structures that had been left unfinished by the previous administration under former governor Jackson Mandago.
However, the governor is expected to face competition within UDA as the 2027 political contest takes shape.
Tourism Principal Secretary Julius Bitok has expressed his intention to challenge Bii, setting the stage for a possible repeat of their 2022 nomination contest. Bii defeated Bitok in the UDA nominations before going on to win the governorship.
Businessman Bundotich Zedekiah Kiprop Buzeki has also been associated with the race. Other names mentioned in connection with the contest include Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Uasin Gishu chairman Willy Kenei and Competition Authority of Kenya Director General David Rotuk.
The growing list of potential contenders means the UDA nomination process could become a significant stage in determining the shape of the 2027 gubernatorial contest in Uasin Gishu.
Bii has dismissed the challenge posed by his rivals and maintained that his development record will determine how residents view his bid for another term.
He has also urged those planning to challenge him to reconsider spending heavily on campaigns against his re-election bid.
“They should use their money wisely instead of engaging in an impossible mission to campaign against me. As of now, this county is locked until I complete my two terms in office,” Bii said.
The emerging contest is likely to place greater attention on the implementation of the county government’s projects and the competing development priorities of the aspirants.
As the 2027 election approaches, Bii’s record in roads, healthcare, water, education and agriculture will form part of the issues that residents can use to assess his first-term administration, while his potential challengers are expected to present their own plans for the county.