After nearly five months away from the public eye, Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika has officially resumed her duties, marking her return by chairing her first cabinet meeting of 2025 on Tuesday.
Governor Kihika had travelled to the United States late last year to take maternity leave, a break that concluded in mid-April. During her absence, her silence and lack of public appearances stirred debate, with some residents and civil society groups questioning the extended leave and her low-profile approach to leadership.
Since November 18, 2024, Kihika remained out of the public spotlight, limiting her engagement to social media updates showcasing ongoing and completed county projects. However, her return this week signaled a renewed focus on development and governance.
In a statement released after the meeting, the governor said the cabinet session aimed to reignite momentum on county projects and enhance service delivery.
“I chaired a cabinet meeting to give fresh impetus and direction to service delivery and the completion of development projects across the county,” she said. “We approved a development-focused budget for the 2025/2026 financial year and reaffirmed our collective commitment to fast-tracking ongoing works.”
Kihika further emphasized that the county government would prioritize efficient budget use and strategic planning to improve services and complete key projects for the benefit of Nakuru residents.
Her return comes just days after she reportedly gave birth to twins, hosting several politicians and close friends at her Ngata home to celebrate the new additions to her family.
Though her absence sparked controversy in some quarters, her comeback appears focused on reasserting leadership and pushing forward the county’s development agenda.
