Seth Panyako Biography
Seth Panyako is one of Kenya’s most recognized trade union leaders. He is the Secretary General of the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) and has led several nationwide strikes to demand better pay and working conditions for nurses. Born in a small village in Western Kenya, he rose from washing dishes to pay school fees to becoming a powerful voice in both health and politics. This biography looks at his life journey in a simple and clear way.
Seth Panyako Early Life
Seth Panyako was born on 5 May 1985 in Lunyu village, Malava Constituency, Kakamega County. He grew up in a humble Luhya family. Life in the village was not easy, but the community taught him the value of hard work and helping others. These early lessons later shaped his strong fight for the rights of nurses across Kenya.
Seth Panyako Education
Panyako studied hard in primary and secondary school. After completing his O-levels, he got a sponsorship to join the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton. There he earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2001. While at the university, he washed dishes in the school cafeteria to support himself when fees became difficult. A lecturer named Dr Cheasse Fonda noticed his determination and helped pay part of his tuition. Panyako loved the midwifery unit most because it taught him how to save mothers and babies.
Seth Panyako Nursing Career
After graduation, Panyako started working at Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya’s largest referral hospital. He gained experience in patient care and saw first-hand the challenges nurses face every day, such as long hours, low pay, and shortage of staff. These problems pushed him to join union activities so he could speak for his fellow nurses.
Seth Panyako Union Leadership and Achievements
In 2013, nurses elected Panyako as the Secretary General of KNUN. Since then he has led many successful fights for better salaries and working conditions. The biggest strike happened in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic when nurses demanded their allowances. Panyako told the government clearly that nurses would not return to work until promises were kept. He also serves on the board of LAPFUND, the pension scheme for local authority workers including health staff.
Seth Panyako Political Journey
Panyako entered politics in 2022 when he ran for Member of Parliament in Malava Constituency on a UDA ticket. He did not win the seat. In 2023 he left UDA because he felt the government was not keeping its promises on the cost of living. In 2025, after the sitting MP passed away, Panyako announced he will run again in the by-election.
Seth Panyako Controversies
Panyako’s strong style has created both fans and critics. Some government officials have called him difficult because he refuses to accept empty promises. During strikes, some people said he was putting patients at risk, while others praised him for standing up for workers. In 2023, he publicly criticized the 3 percent housing levy and high taxes. All his actions are based on facts and the real struggles of nurses.
Seth Panyako Personal Life
Panyako is married, but he keeps his family away from the public eye to protect their privacy. He is from the Luhya community in Kakamega County. He rarely speaks about his wife or children in interviews because he believes family matters should stay private.
Seth Panyako Net Worth
As of 2025, reliable public sources estimate Seth Panyako’s net worth to be between KSh 50 million and KSh 100 million. This comes from his salary as KNUN Secretary General, board allowances from LAPFUND, and savings from his nursing career. He lives a modest life and often uses his money to support health projects in his home area.
Conclusion
Seth Panyako shows that one person can make a big difference. From a village boy who washed dishes to study, he became the voice of thousands of nurses in Kenya. Whether he wins the Malava seat in 2025 or not, his work has already improved the lives of many health workers. His story teaches young Kenyans that education, hard work, and courage can change a nation.
FAQs
Who is Seth Panyako?
He is the Secretary General of the Kenya National Union of Nurses and a former UDA political candidate.
How old is Seth Panyako in 2025?
He is 40 years old (born 5 May 1985).
Where did Seth Panyako go to university?
University of Eastern Africa, Baraton, where he studied nursing and graduated in 2001.
What tribe is Seth Panyako?
He is from the Luhya community in Kakamega County.
Is Seth Panyako married?
Yes, he is married but keeps his family life private.
What is Seth Panyako’s net worth?
Estimates place it between KSh 50 million and KSh 100 million in 2025.
Why did Panyako leave UDA?
In 2023 he resigned because he disagreed with some government policies on taxes and cost of living.
Has Seth Panyako ever led a nationwide nurses’ strike?
Yes, the most famous one was in 2020 during the COVID-19 period.