Showcasing Paul Simba Arati Biography: Kisii Roots, ODM Politics, Dagoretti Leadership & Governorship Achievements

Paul Simba Arati was born on November 28, 1981, in Kisii County, Kenya. He belongs to the Abagusii community. His childhood in Kisii shaped his values and determination to serve his people.
He began his education at Suneka High School between 1996 and 1999. Later, he joined the Kenya Polytechnic, where he studied Tourism Management. His quest for knowledge took him abroad. From 2004 to 2006, he studied Business Management at Guangzhou University in China. He later earned a Master’s degree in International Relations at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University in Kisumu.
Arati’s political career started with his election as Member of Parliament for Dagoretti North Constituency in Nairobi County in 2013. He served two terms, focusing on youth empowerment, education, and healthcare. His bold leadership style and ability to mobilize grassroots support made him a strong figure in Kenyan politics.
In 2022, Paul Simba Arati was elected as the Governor of Kisii County. As governor, he has emphasized sustainable development, agriculture, food security, and better social services. His leadership is marked by a commitment to improving infrastructure and empowering small-scale farmers.
Arati is a member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), led by Raila Odinga. He has played a key role in ODM’s activities and remains a strong ally of the party leadership.
On a personal level, Paul Simba Arati is married to a Chinese wife, and together they have children. His multicultural family reflects his international exposure and education.
His achievements include rising from humble beginnings to become a respected leader in Kenya. He is fluent in English, Kiswahili, and Chinese, which has helped him connect with diverse communities. His success lies in his ability to balance local leadership with international experience.
In summary, Paul Simba Arati, born in 1981 in Kisii County, is the current Governor of Kisii. He studied in Kenya and China, served as MP for Dagoretti North, and now leads Kisii County under ODM. His career reflects resilience, education, and dedication to service.
Paul Simba Arati Early Life and Background
Paul Simba Arati was born on May 10, 1979, in Kisii County, Kenya, the region he now governs. His roots are deeply embedded in the Kisii community, establishing his identity as a member of the Abagusii community. Although his public career has been largely defined by his political success in Nairobi, his early life in Kisii provided the cultural and political foundation for his ambition. His journey into public service was not immediate; before his political career gained traction, Arati held professional roles that honed his management and business skills. He served as the Managing Director of Aipa Safaris Limited from 2004 to 2007, demonstrating an early capacity for leadership and entrepreneurship. His first public office was as a Councilor for the Nairobi City Council from 2008 to 2012, where he also chaired the General Purpose Committee. This experience in Nairobi’s urban governance was instrumental, providing him with a profound understanding of administrative challenges and the dynamics of multi-ethnic politics, which proved useful when he sought election back in his home county.
Paul Simba Arati Education
Paul Simba Arati’s Education reflects a diverse academic and professional journey, marked by international study and multiple degrees. He completed his secondary education at Suneka High School between 1996 and 1999, achieving his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE). He then pursued post-secondary professional training at Kenya Polytechnic University College (now the Technical University of Kenya) from 2001 to 2003, where he earned a Diploma in Tourism Management. His pursuit of education took an international turn when he obtained an undergraduate degree in Business Management from Guangzhou University, China, between 2004 and 2006. Arati later focused on public policy and strategic leadership for his advanced degrees in Kenya, completing a Bachelor of Arts (International Relations and Diplomacy) and subsequently a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) in Strategic Management at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST). This academic background, which includes a blend of tourism, business, and international relations, has been vital to his career in politics and economic development.
Paul Simba Arati Political Career
Paul Simba Arati’s Political Career saw him rise from local urban politics to county governorship, primarily under the banner of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). His first major elective office was as a Councilor in Nairobi, where he served until 2012. He was then successfully Elected MP for Dagoretti North Constituency in 2013, a multi-ethnic constituency in Nairobi, where he served two consecutive terms until 2022. During his time as an MP, he consistently focused on youth empowerment, education, and healthcare, channeling resources to advance social services and infrastructural development for his constituents. In 2022, he shifted his focus back to his home region and was overwhelmingly Elected Governor of Kisii County on the ODM ticket. His gubernatorial victory was a significant political feat, capitalizing on his strong grassroots mobilization skills and his bold leadership style. His political journey highlights his ability to connect with voters across diverse demographics and maintain his status as a key figure in Kisii County politics and the national opposition movement.
Paul Simba Arati Achievements and Leadership Style
Paul Simba Arati’s Achievements and Leadership Style are defined by his assertive, development-focused approach and a strong emphasis on accountability. As a two-term MP for Dagoretti North Constituency, he advocated for better social services and infrastructure, often challenging the status quo to secure resources for his constituents. Since being elected Governor of Kisii County, his administration has focused on key, tangible projects to revitalize the region. He has prioritized sustainable development, including the commissioning of an Avocado Oil Processing Plant in April 2023 to enhance agriculture and food security and support small-scale farmers. He has also reformed governance, re-launching the County Bursary Fund and establishing a new medical monitoring and tracking system to curb drug theft. His administration is committed to creating jobs for the youth and expanding access to healthcare and education across the county. His style is energetic and sometimes controversial, but it is backed by concrete action aimed at economic growth and improving the livelihoods of the Kisii tribe and all residents.
Paul Simba Arati Party Affiliation
Paul Simba Arati’s Party Affiliation is firmly rooted in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). He has been a committed and active member of the ODM since 2013, serving as a prominent Member of Parliament in Nairobi for two terms and successfully securing the governorship of Kisii County under the party’s banner in 2022. As a leading figure from the Kisii community, he is regarded as a close ally of ODM leader Raila Odinga, often taking on prominent roles in national party politics and coalition activities. His outspoken defense of the ODM’s ideology and his direct engagement in inter-party political conflicts cement his status as a loyal and integral member of the party’s high command. His continued prominence within the ODM, even as the party navigates a complex political landscape, indicates his significant influence and his role as a potential future leader within the broader Kenyan political framework.
Paul Simba Arati Personal Life
Paul Simba Arati’s Personal Life is distinguished by his marriage to his Chinese wife, who is often affectionately referred to as May. The couple’s cross-cultural marriage has garnered significant public attention in Kenya, particularly because his wife has actively participated in his campaigns, often impressing large crowds by addressing them in fluent Ekegusii, the local language of the Kisii tribe. While her full name is not widely publicized in political circles, her visible support demonstrates a deep integration into his personal and political life. The Governor is the father of children, whom he balances raising with his demanding political career, a testament to his commitment to his family. This public-facing, yet largely private, family life, particularly his wife’s cultural integration, has added a unique dimension to his political brand, showcasing his dedication to diversity and challenging traditional norms in Kenyan politics.
Paul Simba Arati Net Worth and Success
Paul Simba Arati’s Net Worth and Success reflect his decades-long career progression through various high-profile public and private sector roles. While his estimated net worth is not publicly disclosed, he is widely understood to possess considerable wealth, measured in millions of Kenyan shillings. His wealth is derived from a combination of his political career, his initial business ventures in the tourism sector (Aipa Safaris Limited), and various investments. His political success, culminating in the Governor of Kisii County seat, solidifies his position as a symbol of success in Kisii politics, having transcended his humble background to become a wealthy and powerful national figure. His narrative of financial and political ascension is often leveraged in his campaigns to demonstrate his capacity for economic management and to inspire the youth he aims to empower.
Paul Simba Arati Frequently Asked Questions (People Also Ask)
- Who is Paul Simba Arati?Paul Simba Arati is a prominent Kenyan politician and the current Governor of Kisii County (elected 2022). He is a vocal member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and previously served two terms as the Member of Parliament for Dagoretti North Constituency in Nairobi.
- What is Paul Simba Arati’s age and date of birth?Paul Simba Arati’s age is 46 years old (as of December 2025). His date of birth is May 10, 1979.
- Which tribe does Paul Simba Arati belong to?Paul Simba Arati belongs to the Kisii tribe, also known as the Abagusii community, and was born in Kisii County, Kenya.
- What is Paul Simba Arati’s educational background?Paul Simba Arati’s educational background is extensive. It includes a Diploma in Tourism Management, an undergraduate degree in Business Management from Guangzhou University, China, and a Master’s degree in Business Administration (Strategic Management) from Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University.
- Who is Paul Simba Arati’s wife?Paul Simba Arati’s wife is a Chinese woman named May (her full name is not widely publicized). She is known for her active participation in his campaigns and her ability to speak the Kisii language fluently.
- What is Paul Simba Arati’s net worth?Paul Simba Arati’s net worth is not publicly known, but he is a successful entrepreneur and politician whose wealth is estimated to be in the millions of Kenyan shillings.
- What achievements has Paul Simba Arati made as Governor of Kisii County?Paul Simba Arati has made achievements as Governor of Kisii County by prioritizing economic projects like commissioning an Avocado Oil Processing Plant, relaunching the County Bursary Fund, and launching a new medical monitoring system to curb drug theft, all aimed at sustainable development and better service delivery.
Governor Paul Simba Arati Age and Verified Date of Birth
Paul Simba Arati Age is 44 years old as of 2025, and his Date of Birth is November 28, 1981. He was born in Kisii County, Kenya, and is currently serving as the Governor of Kisii County under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Governor Paul Simba Arati Chinese Wife and Marital Status
Paul Simba Arati Wife is popularly known as Kwamboka. She came into the limelight during his Kisii gubernatorial campaigns, where she impressed many by speaking fluent Kisii.
Governor Paul Simba Arati Children and Family Life
Paul Simba Arati Children details are not widely disclosed. While Paul Simba Arati, the Governor of Kisii County, is known to have children with his wife, their names and personal information remain private.
Governor Paul Simba Arati Quick-Reference Political Profile

| Profile | Information |
| Paul Simba Arati career | Governor of Kisii County (since 2022); Former Member of Parliament for Dagoretti North Constituency (2013–2022); Former City Councilor (Nairobi, 2008–2012); Managing Director, Aipa Safaris Limited (2004–2007). |
| Paul Simba Arati real name | Paul Simba Arati |
| Paul Simba Arati age | 46 (as of December 2025) |
| Paul Simba Arati date of birth | 10 May 1979 (Widely cited, though 28 November 1981 is sometimes reported.) |
| Paul Simba Arati net worth | Not known (Successful politician and businessman; estimated to be in the millions of Kenyan shillings.) |
| Paul Simba Arati wife / spouse | May Simba (Chinese national, also known as May Arati or Kwamboka. She is active in his political campaigns.) |
| Paul Simba Arati children | Father of children (Number not publicly specified.) |
| Paul Simba Arati parents | Not known (Public records focus on his political career.) |
| Paul Simba Arati religion | Not known (Presumably Christian, given the regional culture.) |
| Paul Simba Arati state of origin | Kenya (Kisii County; belongs to the Abagusii community.) |
| Paul Simba Arati alma mater | Guangzhou University (China); Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology; Kenya Polytechnic University College. |
| Paul Simba Arati education | Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Strategic Management; BA (International Relations and Diplomacy); Undergraduate degree in Business Management; Diploma in Tourism Management. |
| Paul Simba Arati nationality | Kenyan |



