Gladys Wanga

The term "strength of a woman" is often thrown around, but for Gladys Wanga, the phrase fits like a glove. 

A stalwart of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Wanga is the current Governor of Homa Bay County, proudly standing as the first female governor in the Lake Region.

Before being elected Governor, Wanga served as the Woman Representative for Homa Bay for 10 years. 

Her tenure in Parliament was marked by her vocal advocacy and leadership, particularly when she was a member of the Finance Committee. She was also an active contributor to various committees.

Wanga also played a major role in the 'resist' movement led by opposition leader Raila Odinga. 

This movement targeted companies accused of oppressing Kenyans, and Wanga's dedicated involvement earned her political mileage, particularly with the influential Luo Nyanza vote block.

As Governor, her political and governance skills gained nationwide attention after she was ranked among the best-performing county bosses in 2023 by reputable firms such as Infotrak.

One of the notable recognitions she received was for helping the County record an impressive 235% increase in revenue within one year.

In 2024, Governor Gladys Wanga has emerged as a transformative figure in politics, particularly through her leadership in Homa Bay County and rising to become the first female ODM Chairperson. 

Known for her dynamic approach, she has spearheaded impactful development projects that have transformed the county’s infrastructure, healthcare, and education systems. 

In 2024, Governor Wanga made headlines with several notable achievements. She prioritised healthcare accessibility, overseeing the expansion of hospitals and the launch of free maternal health programs, significantly reducing mortality rates among mothers and infants. Her dedication to youth empowerment also led to innovative job creation initiatives, including vocational training programmes and small business grants, which have helped reduce unemployment and improve livelihoods in the county. 

Furthermore, her commitment to transparency and accountability has earned her praise, as she implemented a digital system for monitoring county expenditures, promoting financial integrity and trust among constituents.

She is a holder of a Master of Science (M.Sc) in Health Management and a Bachelor of Science in Health Management from Kenyatta University.