By Remmy Butia
Hon. Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen, EGH, is a distinguished Kenyan lawyer, politician, and public servant who has consistently delivered exceptional leadership in every role he has undertaken. From his tenure as Senator for Elgeyo Marakwet to his service as Senate Majority Leader, and later as Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Murkomen has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to good governance, infrastructural development, and legislative excellence.
Born in Elgeyo Marakwet County, Murkomen rose from humble beginnings to become one of Kenya’s most accomplished legal minds. He holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Nairobi and a Master of Laws (LLM) in Comparative Constitutional Law from the same institution. His legal expertise and passion for justice saw him excel in private practice before transitioning into public service.
Senate Tenure: A Transformative Legislative Leader
In 2013, Murkomen was elected as the first Senator for Elgeyo Marakwet County, a position he held until 2022. His legislative acumen and dedication to devolution earned him respect across the political divide.
Senate Majority Leader (2017-2020)
As Senate Majority Leader, Murkomen played a pivotal role in shaping Kenya’s legislative agenda. He was instrumental in:
- Strengthening devolution by ensuring equitable revenue sharing among counties.
- Championing constitutional amendments to enhance governance.
- Promoting bipartisan cooperation in Parliament.
His leadership during this period was marked by eloquence, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of Kenya’s legal framework.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport (2022-2023)
Appointed as Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure, Housing, and Public Works by President William Ruto in October 2022, Murkomen embarked on an ambitious mission to revolutionize Kenya’s transport sector. Key achievements include:
- Road Infrastructure Development: Spearheading the construction and rehabilitation of major highways to improve connectivity.
- Public Transport Modernization: Advocating for the Nairobi Commuter Rail Network and the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system to decongest urban areas.
- Aviation Sector Reforms: Enhancing safety standards and expanding airports to boost tourism and trade.
- E-mobility Promotion: Supporting the adoption of electric vehicles to reduce carbon emissions.
His hands-on approach and visionary policies earned him praise for revitalizing Kenya’s transport infrastructure.
Current Role: Cabinet Secretary for Interior & National Administration
In a cabinet reshuffle in October 2023, Murkomen was reassigned to the Ministry of Interior and National Administration – a critical docket responsible for national security, immigration, and disaster management. True to his track record, he has already initiated key reforms, including:
- Enhanced Security Measures: Strengthening police reforms and community policing to curb crime.
- Efficient Service Delivery: Digitizing immigration and civil registration processes.
- Disaster Preparedness: Improving response mechanisms to mitigate floods, fires, and other emergencies.
A Leader Who Delivers
Throughout his career, Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen has proven himself to be a dynamic, results-driven leader. Whether in legislation, infrastructure development, or national security, his contributions have left a lasting impact on Kenya’s growth trajectory. His journey from a young lawyer to a key figure in Kenya’s leadership underscores his dedication to public service and nation-building.
As he continues to serve as Interior CS, Kenyans can expect more transformative reforms under his stewardship, further cementing his legacy as one of the country’s most effective leaders.
