FCPA Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya, EGH was appointed as the Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Cooperatives and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development on 8th August, 2024.
He is a highly respected public servant, financial expert, and transformational leader with a career spanning over four decades in both the private and public sectors. His journey is marked by a steadfast commitment to governance, economic empowerment, and institutional development, making him one of Kenya’s most accomplished policymakers.
Born and raised in Kenya, Oparanya pursued his academic ambitions at the University of Nairobi, where he earned a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) and later a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance. He furthered his academic journey by pursuing a Ph.D. in Economics at the University of Dar es Salaam. His expertise in financial management and governance has been recognized globally, earning him the prestigious Fellow Certified Public Accountant (FCPA) designation.
Oparanya’s professional career began at Ernst & Young, where he rose to Senior Audit Manager, overseeing financial audits across East Africa. His expertise in financial restructuring played a crucial role in stabilizing struggling banks in the region. He later joined Kenya Aerotech Company Limited as Finance Director, where his leadership contributed to exponential business growth, making the company a major player in the aviation ground-handling sector.
In 2002, Oparanya transitioned into public service when he was elected Member of Parliament for Butere Constituency. His exemplary leadership earned him a cabinet appointment as Minister of State for Planning, National Development & Vision 2030 (2008–2013). In this role, he played a pivotal part in finalizing and launching Kenya’s Vision 2030, the country’s long-term development blueprint.
He also introduced performance contracting in government ministries and integrated monitoring and evaluation systems, enhancing efficiency and accountability in public service. Under his leadership, Kenya recorded an unprecedented double-digit economic growth rate, a milestone yet to be replicated.
With the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution, Oparanya became the first Governor of Kakamega County (2013–2022), successfully implementing transformative policies that propelled the county to national recognition as one of the best-governed and most developed Country. His leadership in devolution saw him elected Chairman of the Council of Governors (2019–2021), where he advocated for intergovernmental cooperation and resource allocation for counties.
In recognition of his distinguished contribution to public service, economic empowerment, and cooperative development, and for being a champion of transformative leadership, Oparanya was conferred an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters (Honoris Causa) by Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology.
Currently, as Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs Development, he is leading efforts to strengthen the cooperative movement, enhance financial inclusion, and promote the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as key drivers of Kenya’s economic transformation.
With an illustrious career marked by integrity, innovation, and impact, FCPA Dr. Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya continues to be a beacon of leadership in Kenya’s economic and governance landscape, inspiring a new generation of policymakers and professionals.
Contact:
Email: cs@ushirika.go.ke
Tel: +254 02 2734410