In the ever-evolving landscape of Kenyan politics, one name that has been making headlines is that of Raymond Omollo, the current Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Interior and National Administration.
From his early life in a small village to assuming one of the most powerful dockets in the country, Wok delves into Omollo’s inspiring journey and rise to prominence in the country’s political arena.
Education and Early Life
Raymond Ojwang Omollo was born on 27 December 1979 in Kanyipir, Rachuonyo sub-county, Homabay.
His educational journey started at Muslim primary school in Kisumu. Sadly, he lost his father while in class three. This caused him to transfer to the local Mulagat Primary School and later Rangwe primary school.
After completing his primary education, Raymond proceeded to Mbita High School, where he sat for his Kenya Certificate of Secondary education.
In 1999, Omollo Joined the University of Nairobi to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Statistics, which he completed in 2003. He then enrolled for a Master’s in applied statistics at UON, graduating in 2006.
Raymond later enrolled for a Ph.D. in applied statistics at Maseno University, which he pursued between 2011 to 2015.
He was also lucky to receive a scholarship to study biostatistics and epidemiology at the University of Washington in Seattle.
Career
Raymond began his career at the research department of Nairobi University. He later joined the DNDi (Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative) organization as a statistician and head of the data center.
Through DNDi, Omollo has worked in Uganda, Sudan, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Benin.
Raymond has also worked with other NGOs in Somalia and other East African countries to address famine situations.
He also served as executive director on the board of the Consolidated Bank of Kenya for three years.
Prior to being PS, Omollo was the managing director of the Lake Basin Development Authority, mandated to improve the socio-economic development of 18 counties within the lake basin region.
He took over the Principal Secretary docket from Karanja Kibicho, who held it throughout Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration.
Omollo became the youngest Kenyan to hold the docket, working in tandem with Interior CS Kithure Kindiki to oversee the country’s security.
Omollo and KDF chief Francis Ogolla are among the Luo Nyanza leaders appointed to powerful positions within the Kenya Kwanza government.
He is the second Luo to hold the powerful position, after Hezekiah Oyugi, who served under the Moi government 31 years ago.
Net worth
During a vetting exercise in parliament, the PS estimated his net worth to be around 450 million. He reportedly owns land and property in Kajiado, Nairobi, Machakos, Kisumu, and Homabay. His wealth is also invested in stocks, farming, and mining ventures.
Salary
As a principal secretary, Mr. Raymond Omollo reportedly earns a salary of Ksh765,188 per month.
This includes a basic salary of Ksh554,400, a house allowance of Ksh100,000, an entertainment allowance of Ksh100,000, and a domestic allowance of Ksh50,000.
In addition, he is entitled to other benefits, including a car grant of Ksh10 million, a mortgage loan of Ksh35 million, an annual medical cover for himself, his wife, and up to four dependent children.
He is also entitled to a pension scheme.
Political Friends
Some of Raymond Omolo’s political friends include former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero and Former Karachuonyo MP James Rege, who were among the first to congratulate him following his appointment as PS.
