Kenya’s Ambassador to Pakistan Julius Bitok will be making a second stab at the Uasin Gishu gubernatorial seat in this year's August elections.
Riding on his Kalenjin slogan Lapkei Tai, meaning the future is bright, Bitok says he has a great vision for Uasin Gishu.
The aspirant, who is eyeing the UDA party ticket, has already launched his blue print with key pillars focusing on agriculture, job creation, facilitating trade and integrating communities.
Bitok says he looks forward to creating job opportunities for all, enhancing equity in development and upholding integrity if elected.
“I also strongly believe in the UDA party, which is our party, and in DP Ruto’s bottom-up economic model," the envoy said.
Born in a bible-wielding Anglican family in 1975 at Huruma in Eldoret, Bitok began his education in Kaptuktuk primary school.
He then proceeded to Chebisas High School in Eldoret before proceeding to Moi University for his first degree.
Later, he joined Nairobi University for his MBA in Finance and then undertook his PhD in Finance at Oklahoma State University in the US.
Bitok started his career as a lecturer at Moi University before working with other universities.
It is when working as a don that President Uhuru Kenyatta appointed him to be an advisor in the Office of the President and later envoy to Pakistan, where he is currently serving.
He has served for eight years as an envoy and now wants to succeed current Governor Jackson Mandago, who is serving his second and last term. Mandago is eyeing the senatorial seat.
“I have well-tested and proven leadership qualities in all places I have served. I have worked well in the public service, as an envoy," he told the Star.
In 2015 he established the Bitok Foundation which has so far helped more than 500 students at all levels of education both locally and abroad.
Bitok is considered a formidable candidate in a race that has attracted six other aspirants seeking the same UDA ticket.
Others include Jonathan Bii, Soy MP Caleb Kostany, Nairobi devolution executive Vesca Kangogo and Ngenyile MCA David Singoei.
“I thank President Kenyatta for giving me the chance to serve as an envoy. It's through that position that I have served the country and gained the necessary experience and international networks that I will use to benefit the people of Uasin Gishu," Bitok said.
He opines that he is passionate about dealing with challenges affecting residents of the county especially youth, women and other groups.
"If elected, we will create wealth for the people of Uasin Gishu through an economic growth plan that I will put in place,” he said.
While serving as an ambassador in Pakistan, he credits himself for doubling Kenya's tea export to the Asian nation.
He also prides himself for making Pakistan the largest export market for Kenya by increasing trade volumes from Sh40 billion to more than Sh100 billion.
Bitok was the first runner of Governor Mandago in the now moribund URP primaries in 2012.
He boasts of a wide range of strengths including his long stint in public service and outstanding expertise in finance.
He also has an MBS award conferred to him by President Uhuru for his exemplary service to the nation.
Political analyst Kipchumba Kemei says Bitok stands a chance in the forthcoming polls based on regional dynamics that is always a factor in Uasin Gishu politics.
“The feeling of many residents is that the county leadership should this time shift to the southern part. This is strengthened by the fact that Mandago, who was also from the northern part, will be running for the Senate seat,” Kemei said.
He said Bitok, who is a resident of Kesses constituency that forms part of the southern region of Uasin Gishu, has an edge over his competitors owing to his vast experience and record in the public service.
The envoy's campaign strategy is premised on the UDA's bottom-up economic model.
His entry into the race has caused jitters among rivals owing to his focus on development and county affairs.
"Our county collects about Sh800 million as local revenue, which is only about Sh100 million more than what we used to collect as a county council. The low revenue is because of a poor business environment," Bitok explained.
He pledges to focus on improving the local business environment so that residents can create more wealth hence be able to help the county meet its obligations.
Bitok says he will leverage international networks to bring in investors who will boost the county's agriculture and business environment.
“They will come to set base here and help us set up large scale and small scale value addition enterprises for our people," he noted.
He will also adopt an open door, all-inclusive and consultative management approach to public affairs.
“I have learned to listen more than talk. I value networking and interacting with people. After all, I believe if elected I will only be a leader because everyone has a contribution to make. In fact, people have solutions to challenges they face," he divulged.
Bitok also appealed to Uasin Gishu residents to cherish peace and unity ahead of the polls.
“Our image globally will be greatly determined by the way we will go through the polls. Peace and unity will make us emerge stronger as a nation and hence be able to continue attracting investors," Bitok appealed.
As the country head to the polls in August, Bitok has assured Uasin Gishu residents that he is the best bet to take over the county leadership from Mandago.
-Edited by B.Marita
