Gladys Wanga Biography: Politics, Wikipedia, Education, Age & Net Worth 2025

Gladys Atieno Nyasuna Wanga is one of Kenya’s most prominent contemporary female politicians — a leader who rose from student politics to national office and in 2022 became Governor of Homa Bay County. Her story is one of persistence, public service, and breaking regional gender barriers in Kenyan politics.

Early life and family background

Born on 7 March 1981 in Kisumu (then Nyanza Province), Gladys Wanga grew up in a politically engaged family. Her father, the late John Nyasuna, served as a councillor and chairperson of the Kisumu County Council — an influence that exposed her early to public service and local politics. She was raised in a family of seven children and attended local schools in the region before moving on to higher studies.

Education

Wanga attended Kenyatta University, where she completed a Bachelor of Science degree (B.Sc) and later a Master of Science (M.Sc) in Health Management. While at Kenyatta University she was active in student governance and became the first female to be elected to the position of General Secretary of the Students’ Union — an early sign of her leadership ambitions. She also holds a diploma in project management from the Kenya Institute of Management.

Early career — health and development

Before entering elective politics, Gladys Wanga worked in the health and development sector. She served as a programme manager with organizations focused on health and community development including the Trust for African Rock Art and Liverpool VCT Care and Treatment (LVCT), where she gained experience in program delivery, stakeholder engagement and health systems — experience that later informed her policy priorities in public office.

Parliamentary career — Woman Representative (2013–2022)

Wanga entered national elective politics in 2013, winning the newly created position of County Woman Representative for Homa Bay in the National Assembly. She served two terms as Woman Representative (2013–2017 and 2017–2022). During her time in Parliament she sat on important committees — notably the Departmental Committee on Labour and Social Welfare and later chaired or played senior roles in finance and planning committees — building a national profile and legislative experience.

Governor of Homa Bay County (from 25 August 2022)

In the 2022 general election Gladys Wanga made history by being elected the 2nd Governor of Homa Bay County, succeeding Cyprian Awiti. She was sworn into office on 25 August 2022 and serves with Deputy Governor Joseph Oyugi Magwanga. Her election was particularly notable because she is among the small but growing group of female governors in Kenya and the first female governor from the Western/Nyanza region, marking a milestone for gender representation in the area.

Party politics and party roles

Gladys Wanga is a member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), a major political party in Kenya. Beyond elective posts, she has held internal party roles — rising in influence within ODM structures at county and national levels. In August 2024 she was appointed ODM National Chairperson, a position that increased her profile within national party leadership and positioned her as an influential figure in shaping party strategy.

Key priorities and achievements as governor

Since taking office Wanga has emphasized areas tied to her background and county needs:

• Health systems strengthening — drawing on her health management education, she has prioritized improving health infrastructure and service delivery.
• Economic empowerment and agriculture — Homa Bay being an agrarian county, programs aimed at supporting smallholder farmers and value-chain development have been part of county plans.
• Women and youth empowerment — as a leader who broke gender barriers, she has pushed policies and initiatives that support women’s economic participation and youth skills development.

(These are illustrative priorities drawn from her public profile and county plans; specific program details, budgets and outcomes are available on official county publications and periodic reports.)

Personal life

Gladys Wanga is married to George Wanga, who has previously held positions in Kenya’s public sector. Beyond her public life, she is often described as a mother and a leader balancing family and politics. She is active on social media and uses public engagements to highlight county developments and national party matters.

Public image and influence

Wanga’s trajectory — from student politics to county and national leadership — has made her an influential role model for women and young leaders across Kenya. Her position as governor and later as an ODM national official amplifies her ability to influence county development agendas, party policy, and national conversations on devolution and gender parity. Political commentators and regional media have highlighted her ascent as both personally and politically significant for Nyanza/Western Kenya.

Criticisms and challenges

Like many public figures, Governor Wanga has faced scrutiny — from service delivery expectations to political contestation. County governors operate in constrained fiscal environments and must manage competing priorities against limited resources; public perception often tracks visible projects and timely delivery. For balanced analysis, consult county audits, independent media coverage and official performance reports.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: When was Gladys Wanga born?

A1: She was born on 7 March 1981.

Q2: What is Gladys Wanga’s educational background?

A2: She holds a B.Sc and an M.Sc in Health Management from Kenyatta University and a diploma in Project Management from the Kenya Institute of Management.

Q3: When did she become Governor of Homa Bay?

A3: Gladys Wanga was sworn in as Governor on 25 August 2022.

Q4: Which political party does she belong to?

A4: She is a member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and has held party roles at county and national levels.

Q5: What was her role before becoming governor?

A5: She served two terms (2013–2022) as the County Woman Representative for Homa Bay in Kenya’s National Assembly.

Conclusion

Gladys Wanga’s rise from student leadership to county governor and national party office-holder is a clear-cut example of steady political progression powered by education, sector experience and constituency connection. As Governor of Homa Bay and an influential figure within ODM, she represents both the opportunities and responsibilities of devolution in Kenya — using a public health and development lens to pursue county priorities while serving as a role model for women leaders across the country. For readers interested in deeper verification or updates, consult official county releases, the Parliament of Kenya profile and reputable national outlets.