23/08/2026
Governor Gladys Wanga is one of Kenya's most influential female political leaders. She currently serves as the Governor of Homa Bay County and is also the National Chairperson of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). She has built a reputation as a leader who has broken barriers in politics and public service.
Early Life.
Gladys Atieno Nyasuna Wanga was born on 7 March 1981 in Kisumu County, Kenya. She is the firstborn in a family of seven children. Her father, John Nyasuna, was a respected councillor and former chairman of the Kisumu County Council, while her mother, Grace Olum, was a businesswoman. Growing up in a politically active family inspired her passion for leadership and public service from a young age.
Schooling and Education.
Governor Wanga's academic journey reflects her commitment to excellence and leadership.
She attended Aga Khan Primary School in Kisumu.
She later joined Kisumu Girls High School, where she served as Head Girl and developed her leadership skills.
She earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Management from Kenyatta University in 2004.
She later completed a Master of Science in Health Management at the same university in 2012.
While at Kenyatta University, she became the first woman elected Secretary-General of the Students' Union, making history in student leadership.
Professional Career.
Before joining elective politics, Gladys Wanga worked in the health and development sector.
She served as a Programme Officer and later Programme Manager at LVCT Health (Liverpool VCT, Care and Treatment), where she managed HIV prevention and treatment programmes. She also worked with the Trust for African Rock Art, gaining experience in project management and community development.
Political Journey.
Her political career has been marked by several historic milestones.
2013: Elected the first Woman Representative for Homa Bay County on an ODM ticket.
2015: Elected the first female ODM Chairperson for Homa Bay County.
2017: Re-elected unopposed as Homa Bay Woman Representative.
Served as the first woman from the Nyanza region to become a Commissioner of the Parliamentary Service Commission.
2020: Became the first woman in Kenya to chair the National Assembly's Finance and National Planning Committee.
2022: Elected the second Governor of Homa Bay County, becoming the first woman Governor of Homa Bay and the first female governor from Kenya's former Western/Nyanza region.
2024: Elected National Chairperson of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), becoming the first woman to hold the position.
Key Achievements.
Since becoming Governor, Gladys Wanga's administration has focused on transforming Homa Bay County through;
1. Increasing the county's own-source revenue through digital revenue collection systems.
2. Expanding and upgrading hospitals and health facilities.
3. Recruiting more healthcare workers.
4. Improving maternal and child healthcare.
5. Constructing and rehabilitating hundreds of kilometres of roads.
6. Building and modernising markets.
7. Expanding water supply and sanitation projects.
8. Supporting education through bursaries and 9. Early Years Education (EYE) classrooms.
10. Promoting the blue economy by improving fish landing sites and supporting fisheries.
11. Empowering women, youth, and small businesses through grants and skills programmes.
12. Strengthening transparency through digitisation and improved financial management.
Leadership Legacy.
Governor Gladys Wanga is widely regarded as a pioneer who has consistently broken gender barriers in Kenyan leadership. Her journey from student leader to governor and national party chairperson demonstrates resilience, dedication to public service, and a commitment to expanding opportunities for women and young leaders.
