Ukur Yatani Kanacho
Together, we are building a progressive, inclusive, and prosperous future for every community in Marsabit County. Join the movement today.
Ambassador Ukur Yatani Kanacho — UN Representative, CS National Treasury & Planning (2019–2022), and UPIA Founder — is dedicated to transforming Marsabit County.
Cabinet Stewardship & National Treasury
Ukur Yatani Kanacho was raised in Forole, North Horr sub-county, within a Gabra pastoralist family. Benefitting from a Jomo Kenyatta Foundation scholarship, he pursued higher studies at Egerton University before completing his Master's degree in Public Administration and Public Policy at the University of York, UK.
Devolution & Pioneer Governor of Marsabit
Beginning in 1992, he served in the Kenyan administration as District Officer and District Commissioner. He was subsequently appointed Kenya's Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna (2009–2012), representing Kenya in international security and energy forums.
International Diplomacy & Multilateral Relations
In local governance, Yatani was elected MP for North Horr in 2006 and later served as the first Governor of Marsabit County (2013–2017), initiating healthcare improvements and peace building efforts. At the national level, he served as Cabinet Secretary for Labour before leading the National Treasury (2020–2022) to navigate Kenya's economic policies through the challenges of the pandemic.
UPIA Founder & Values-Based Politics
As Treasury CS, he oversaw national fiscal policies and spearheaded recovery programs during global shocks. His extensive record from DO, MP, Ambassador, Governor, to Cabinet Secretary makes him one of Kenya's most experienced and tested public administrators, ready to steer local development and economic empowerment to new heights.
Service Timeline
Leading the United Party of Independent Alliance (UPIA) — as Founder and Party Leader — mobilizing a grassroots movement for the 2027 Marsabit gubernatorial race.
Appointed Acting CS in 2019 and confirmed in 2020. Led Kenya's National Treasury (2020–2022) to manage economic policy and fiscal recovery plans through pandemic constraints.
Appointed CS for Labour and Social Protection. Championed social safety nets and primary pension funds for vulnerable elders.
Elected inaugural Governor. Initiated extensive water distribution networks, health clinic upgrades, and inter-ethnic peace building efforts.
Served as Permanent Representative of Kenya to the United Nations in Vienna, with accreditation to Hungary and Slovakia. Represented Kenya in global energy panels.
Represented North Horr Constituency in the National Assembly. Concurrently served as Assistant Minister for Science and Technology. Initiated key educational scholarship frameworks.
Started as District Officer and promoted to District Commissioner in 2002, spearheading local conflict resolution and regional peace projects.