Samson Ndindi Nyoro is a Kenyan economist entrepreneur and politician, currently serving his second term as the Member of Parliament for Kiharu Constituency.
He is a member of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) under the Kenya Kwanza alliance led by President William Ruto.
Ndindi Nyoro has made significant strides in politics, and is currently the Chairperson of the powerful Budget and Appropriations Committee in the National Assembly.
Early Life and Education
Ndindi Nyoro was born on 12th December 1985 in Gathukeini, Murang’a county. His mother was a peasant farmer, and his father was a small-time carpenter in the Kiandutu slums of Thika. He is the youngest of four children, with three older sisters.
Primary Education: Nyoro attended Gathukeini Primary School. At the age of 12, he opened a kiosk in his village to support himself while attending school. However, his father, prioritizing education, bought out the stock and had him focus on his studies.
Secondary Education: He initially secured a place at Kiaguthu Boys Secondary School but couldn’t join due to high fees. Instead, he attended Kiambugi Boys Secondary School, where he repaired shoes for classmates and sold second-hand clothes during holidays to support his education. Despite financial challenges and the loss of his father, Ndindi Nyoro posted exemplary KCSE results in 2003, securing university placement.
University Education: In 2005, Nyoro joined Kenyatta University to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. To support himself, he set up a restaurant and worked part-time as a stockbroker. He was elected Academic Secretary in the Kenyatta University Student Association and graduated in December 2009.
Career
Early Ventures: While still a sophomore at Kenyatta University, Nyoro started Stockbridge Securities, learning the trade under the mentorship of Ngenye Kariuki. His initial setbacks due to poor internet connectivity led him to start Afrisec Telecoms in 2010, a firm that provides internet services.
Entrepreneurial Success: In 2016, Nyoro co-founded Investax Capital, one of Kenya’s largest stockbroker agency. He later established another firm specializing in construction, civil works, water engineering and drilling. He currently owns 29 million KPLC shares, making him one of the largest individual shareholders in the company.
Political Career: Nyoro’s political journey began at Kenyatta University, where he served as a student leader. In 2013, he was appointed Chairperson of the Kiharu Constituency Development Fund (CDF). In 2017, he contested for the Kiharu Parliamentary Seat, and won with 60,991 votes on a Jubilee Party ticket. He was re-elected in 2022 on a UDA ticket, with an even larger margin, garnering 68,256 votes.
Achievements
Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear: In recognition of his exemplary development record and significant contributions to his constituency, Ndindi Nyoro received the CBS award during Kenya’s 59th Jamhuri Day celebrations. This honor is one of Kenya’s highest civilian awards, highlighting his dedication to public service and impactful leadership.
Best in Utilization of CDF Funds: Hon. Nyoro has been consistently recognized for his efficient management of the NG-CDF. He is popular for his labor-based CDF model that has become a benchmark for other MPs in Kenya. This model emphasizes community involvement in project implementation, ensuring transparency, cost-effectiveness and local employment.
Innovative Education Program: In January 2024, Ndindi Nyoro launched the “Masomo Bora” program aimed at easing financial constraints on parents and enhancing educational opportunities for students in Kiharu Constituency. Through this initiative, students are required to pay only Sh1,000 per term, significantly alleviating the financial burden on families and reducing school dropout rates. The program covers all expenses for students in selected schools, including the provision of school uniforms.
Bills Sponsored in Parliament: Nyoro sponsored the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Amendment Bill in 2019. This was a bold bill proposing stringent penalties, including execution for those convicted of corruption. Although the bill faced opposition and was ultimately defeated, it underscored his commitment to combating corruption and addressing public frustration with the slow pace of justice in high-profile economic crime cases.
Family Life
25th May 2019: Ndindi Nyoro got married to Sophia Wambui at a traditional event in Thika. Sophie’s background and personal details have largely remained private. The event was attended by a number of dignitaries including Sabina Wanjiru Chege and Moses Kuria.
Children: While details about Nyoro’s children are not publicly disclosed, his marriage underscores his belief in family stability and support, essential elements in both his personal and political life.
20th March 2022: In a light-hearted moment, the then Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria humorously urged Ndindi Nyoro and his wife to consider having a child. The comment, made publicly, highlighted Nyoro’s private life becoming a subject of occasional public jest.
Wealth/Net Worth
Ndindi Nyoro’s wealth is predominantly tied to his investments in various companies, particularly in the stock market.
KPLC Shares: Kenyans have known Ndindi Nyoro as the largest shareholder at the Kenya Power and Lighting Company for several years. His 32.5 million shares were valued at approximately Ksh 51.35 million as of June 2023. However, by January 2024, he had sold a portion of these shares, reducing his direct holding to 20.72 million shares, worth about Ksh 29 million at current market prices.
TransCentury Shares: In March 2024, Ndindi Nyoro purchased 20 million shares in TransCentury Plc, an infrastructure company listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange. This gave him a 1.77 percent stake in the company, valued at approximately Ksh 8.6 million.
Afrisec Telecoms: A company established in 2010 to provide internet, software, networking and surveillance services. As at July 2023, the company was valued at over $1.2 million, with its estimated registered Capital ranging between US$50 Million and US$100 Million.
Controversies
2019 Fundraiser Clash and Arrest: On September 8, 2019, Nyoro clashed with former Nominated MP Maina Kamanda at a fundraising event. The altercation led to an attempted arrest, which Nyoro evaded with the help of supporters. He was later arrested by GSU officers and detained on charges of assault and causing disturbance, sparking protests in Murang’a. The charges were dropped the following day.
Anti-Corruption Bill (2019): The bill faced criticism from ODM leader Raila Odinga, who viewed it as an attempt to undermine investigative agencies. Nyoro refuted these claims, attributing the controversy to media misinformation.
Tangatanga Politics: As a staunch supporter of William Ruto, Nyoro was a prominent figure in Team Tangatanga in the build up to the 2022 general elections. The team opposed the Uhuru-Raila handshake that was perceived as a bold attempt to block Ruto’s 2022 presidential bid. Ndindi Nyoro was one of the vocal persons tasked with de-campaigning Uhuru Kenyatta in his Mt. Kenya backyard.
Running Mate Consideration: Ndindi has for several years been a key member of Ruto’s inner circle, and was considered a potential running mate in the 2022 presidential election. Although the position went to Rigathi Gachagua, Nyoro played a pivotal role in Ruto’s campaign, mobilizing support from the Kikuyu voting bloc.
The author is a Digital Strategist and Content Creator at Innovage Kenya. He occasionally writes on matters Technology and Politics.
