DNK International By Our Correspondent,Kitale
Philomena Bineah Kapkory has steadily built her profile as one of Kenya’s notable women leaders, rising from a distinguished career in public service to become the Deputy Governor of Trans Nzoia County.
Since assuming office in August 2022 alongside Governor George Natembeya, Kapkory has remained an influential figure in county governance despite political turbulence that have occasionally overshadowed Natembeya’s administration.
Kapkory is married to Josephat Kapkory,a former international long distance runner and they have three children.
From records availed to DNK-International, Kapkory went to Nakuru Primary school, St. Joseph High School and Loreto Matunda for her A levels
She later on enrolled at Nairobi University for her undergraduate and Masters.
The Deputy Governor is widely regarded as a seasoned administrator with decades of experience in banking sector.
Kapkory entered elective politics during the 2022 General Election after being selected by Natembeya as his running mate.
Political observers viewed her nomination as a strategic decision that combined administrative competence with regional and community balance within Trans Nzoia’s diverse population.
She hails from Saboti sub tribe of Kalenjin community while Natembeya is from Bukusu a sub tribe that makes one of 18 Luhya community sub tribes.
Kapkory’s extensive public service experience, grassroots appeal and leadership credentials reportedly made her an ideal complement to Natembeya’s reform-oriented gubernatorial campaign.
As Deputy Governor, Kapkory has participated in county development programmes, represented the county government at official functions and championed initiatives aimed at improving service delivery, women’s empowerment and inclusive governance.
She has consistently emphasized accountability, public participation and equitable development, while advocating for greater inclusion of marginalized communities in county affairs.
Her tenure has, however, been marked by a highly publicized fallout with Governor Natembeya.
The differences, which became public in 2023, revolved around allegations of workplace hostility, insecurity, ethnic tensions and disagreements over the administration of county affairs.
Kapkory sought intervention from the Senate and the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), citing threats to her safety and calling for restoration of a functional working relationship.
Natembeya on his part then denied the allegations and accused his deputy of pursuing political interests.
While several reconciliation efforts have been initiated over the years, including Senate intervention, reports indicate that the political relationship has remained strained, although both leaders continue serving in their respective constitutional offices.
Among Kapkory’s memorable public statements is her repeated insistence that leadership should be guided by respect, inclusivity and constitutionalism.
During the height of the dispute, she maintained that she only sought a peaceful and conducive working environment in order to effectively discharge the mandate entrusted to her by the people of Trans Nzoia.
Her political journey carries significant symbolism for women in Kenyan politics.
As one of the country’s female deputy governors, Kapkory represents the growing participation of women in senior elective leadership positions.
Her resilience amid political challenges has highlighted both the opportunities available to women leaders and the institutional hurdles they often encounter while serving in executive offices.
Looking ahead, political analysts believe Kapkory remains a potential contender for higher leadership roles, given her administrative background and growing political visibility.
While she has not formally declared future political ambitions, she is widely viewed as a leader whose experience in governance could position her for greater responsibilities in county or national politics.
Beyond politics, Kapkory is respected for her calm leadership style, commitment to public service and emphasis on dialogue.
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🗓️ [DNK-International@July 4,2026]
