Leadership Journey
Trace the milestones of Amb. Ukur Yatani's career — from administrative DO to national cabinet minister and founding UPIA party leader.
Founding Party Leader & Return to Marsabit
Founded and leads the United Party of Independent Alliance (UPIA), mobilizing a powerful grassroots movement to bring seasoned national and international experience back to county leadership.
Cabinet Secretary, The National Treasury & Planning
Appointed to lead Kenya's national economy. Successfully steered the country through the COVID-19 global crisis, achieving 7.5% GDP growth in 2021, launching the KSh 12B Credit Guarantee Scheme, enacting the PPP law, and chairing the AU Committee of Finance Ministers.
Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Labour & Social Protection
Appointed to the Cabinet. Streamlined industrial relations to minimize disruptive strikes and scaled up social protection cash transfers for elderly and vulnerable groups from 200,000 to 1.3 million beneficiaries.
Pioneer Governor of Marsabit County
Elected as the first Governor of Kenya's largest county. Set up devolved structures, delivered the UNDP's top-rated CIDP, built the Marsabit Abattoir, secured KSh 1.6B from AfDB for water systems, and unified over 15 communities in peace.
Ambassador to Austria & Permanent Rep to the UN
Represented Kenya on the global stage at Vienna UN offices. Served as IAEA Governor board member (de-escalating the Iran nuclear crisis), chaired the African Group of Ambassadors, and co-founded the International Anti-Corruption Academy.
Member of Parliament & Assistant Minister
Elected Member of Parliament for North Horr and concurrently served as Assistant Minister for Science & Technology, championing grassroots education scholarships and constituency roads.
District Officer to Senior District Commissioner
Began public service in provincial administration, rising through the ranks to DC. Spent 14 years managing local security, coordinating government policies, and leading inter-community peace dialogues in arid regions.
Key Pillars of Achievement
Specific, measurable results delivered in regional diplomacy, national financial stewardship, and pioneer devolution.
National & Global Stewardship
Chief Economist and Diplomat
Steered the national economy through the worst post-independence shock (COVID-19) and represented Kenya globally to broker critical international agreements.
- Economic Rebound: Achieved record 7.5% GDP growth in 2021.
- Bilateral Success: Secured USD 1.21B IMF program funding and negotiated the G7 Debt Service Suspension Scheme.
- Regional Transit: Commissioned Lamu Port in record time, promoting LAPSSET regional corridor trade.
- International Peace: Actively de-escalated tensions as IAEA Board Governor during the Iran nuclear crisis.
Pioneering Devolution
Transforming Marsabit County
Laid the foundational brick of devolution in Marsabit, delivering UNDP-approved structural development and securing billions in direct funding.
- Top Rated Plan: Delivered Marsabit CIDP, voted the best county plan by the UNDP.
- Water Security: Secured KSh 1.6B AfDB funding for water and drilled over 50 boreholes.
- Community Inclusivity: Honored for achieving 86% ethnic diversity in hiring, unifying over 15 communities.
- County Roads: Upgraded 300Km of roads to gravel standards and graded over 2,600Km of county roads.
Support Proven Leadership for Marsabit
Ukur Yatani's record of results is clear. Join our grassroots movement to secure water, health, infrastructure, and empowerment for every ward.