Wycliffe Oparanya Biography: Wiki, Age, Education, Career, Political Offices, Wives, Children, Net Worth

Onyedika April 30, 2024

Wycliffe Oparanya Biography

Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya is a prominent Kenyan politician known for his significant role in the country’s governance. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) and an MBA from the University of Nairobi, and a Ph.D. from the University of Dar-es-Salaam.

Oparanya is also a certified public accountant and a member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK). He has over two decades of experience in finance management, audit, and business consultancy.

Wycliffe Oparanya served as the Minister of State for Planning, National Development, and Vision 2030 under President Mwai Kibaki’s government. Oparanya was elected as the first governor of Kakamega County in 2013, following the promulgation of the Constitution of Kenya in 2010, and was re-elected for a second term in 2017.

Wycliffe Oparanya Age

Wycliffe Oparanya is 68 years old as of 2024.

Wycliffe Oparanya Early Life and Educational Background

Wycliffe Ambetsa was born on March 25, 1956, in the village of Emabole in Butere, Kakamega County. His educational journey began at Mabole Primary School, where he took his first academic steps.

After completing his primary education, Oparanya advanced to Butere Boys High School for his “O” levels. This institution is known for its rigorous academic standards and for shaping many of Kenya’s future leaders.

His “A” levels were pursued at Kisii High School, another well-regarded institution that further honed his intellectual and leadership skills.

Oparanya’s pursuit of higher education led him to the University of Nairobi, where he enrolled in 1977. He graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Accounting, followed by an MBA in Finance. His academic excellence did not stop there; he went on to earn a Ph.D. from the University of Dar-es-Salaam, solidifying his expertise in finance and economics.

Wycliffe Oparanya Professional Career

Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya’s career is a testament to his dedication to public service and his expertise in finance and economics. Before venturing into politics, Oparanya had an illustrious career spanning over two decades in finance management, audit, and business consultancy. His professional journey began at Earnest & Young, where he served as a Senior Audit Manager from 1980 to 1995.

Wycliffe Oparanya Political Career

Wycliffe Oparanya biography

In the political arena, Oparanya’s journey started when he was elected as the Member of Parliament for Butere Constituency following the 2007 Kenyan parliamentary election. His affiliation with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) played a significant role in his political career, as he was among the ministers appointed by secondment from Prime Minister Raila Odinga after the signing of the National Accord Act. This act was a pivotal moment in Kenya’s history, forming a coalition government to resolve the disputed 2007 elections.

As a Member of Parliament, Oparanya’s focus on development and planning was evident. He was appointed as the Minister of State for Planning, National Development, and Vision 2030 in the government of President Mwai Kibaki. In this capacity, he was responsible for steering Kenya towards its long-term development goals outlined in the Vision 2030 blueprint, which aims to transform Kenya into a newly industrializing, middle-income country providing a high quality of life to all its citizens by 2030.

Oparanya’s political career took a significant turn when he decided not to seek re-election as a Member of Parliament but instead aimed for a higher position in the newly established devolved system of governance. He ran for the gubernatorial position in Kakamega County on the ODM ticket and was elected as the first governor of Kakamega County in 2013, following the promulgation of the Constitution of Kenya in 2010.

During his tenure as governor, Oparanya was re-elected for a second term in 2017, affirming the public’s trust in his leadership. He continued to focus on development projects and policies that would benefit the residents of Kakamega County.

Beyond his gubernatorial duties, Oparanya also served as the chairperson of the Council of Governors of Kenya, an influential body that represents the interests of the 47 counties in the country.

Offices Held by Wycliffe Oparanya

Wycliffe Oparanya has held several significant offices throughout his political career:

Member of the Kenyan Parliament for Butere Constituency from 2002 to 2013.
Minister of State for Planning, National Development and Vision 2030 under President Mwai Kibaki’s government from 2008 to 2013.
1st Governor of Kakamega County, serving from 27 March 2013 to 15 September 2022.
Chairperson of the Council of Governors of Kenya, appointed on 14 January 2019.
Deputy Party Leader of the Ford Kenya Party.

Wycliffe Oparanya Family

Wycliffe Oparanya is married to two wives, Caroline Mchome Ambetsa and Priscilla Oparanya, in accordance with the cultural practices of the Luhya community, which recognizes polygamy. Caroline is the first wife and also served as the first lady of Kakamega county. He has children from both wives.

Wycliffe Oparanya Net Worth

Wycliffe Oparanya’s net worth is estimated to be around Kshs. 3.7 Billion as of 2024.

Wycliffe Oparanya Controversy

Wycliffe Oparanya has been involved in a controversy regarding leaked personal photos. Photos of Oparanya with a woman named Mary Biketi went viral on social media, leading to public speculation and commentary.

Oparanya addressed the situation, affirming the authenticity of the photos and stating that they were genuine. He expressed his dismay over the leak and clarified that there was nothing inappropriate about the photos. Additionally, he dispelled rumors about his health, confirming that he is well.