Seth Panyako Biography: Politics, Education, Career, Tribe, News, Age & Net Worth

Seth Ambusini Panyako is one of Kenya’s most outspoken nurse-union leaders and a figure of rising political influence.

Known for his passionate advocacy for nurses’ rights and his no-nonsense style, Panyako has navigated the worlds of healthcare, labor activism, and electoral politics with equal fervor.

Early Life and Education

• Date of Birth: May 5, 1985.
• Education: Studied nursing at the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. He particularly valued midwifery during his training.
• Humble Beginnings: While at university, he worked washing dishes in the cafeteria to support himself.

Nursing Career

After graduating, Panyako worked as a nurse at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). His firsthand experience in the hospital environment shaped his understanding of the health system’s challenges and fueled his later advocacy.

Union Leadership: Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN)

• Secretary-General: He has held the position since 2013.
• Advocacy: He has repeatedly clashed with the government over pay, working conditions, and collective bargaining.
• COVID-19 Activism: He raised alarms about inadequate personal protective equipment and resource constraints during the pandemic.
• Legal Engagements: He sued a former trade union (Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions, Hospitals and Allied Workers) claiming failure to provide legal and financial support.

Political Career

• UDA Involvement & Resignation: Panyako once served as Vice Chairperson of UDA but resigned in 2023, citing disagreements over the housing levy and cost of living.
• New Movement: He announced he would join the “Partyless People’s Movement,” criticizing the power dynamics in political parties.
• Malava Parliamentary Seat: He has run for the Malava parliamentary seat. He was cleared by IEBC in 2025 to run in a by-election, though his candidacy faced legal challenges.

LAPFUND Involvement

Panyako is (or was) a board member of the Local Authorities Provident Fund (LAPFUND), a role that has been politically sensitive given his political ambitions.

Controversies and Public Image

1. Labor Disputes: He has led or threatened nationwide nursing strikes.
2. Party Tensions: His resignation from UDA revealed a fracture between him and the party over economic policies.
3. Political Eligibility Disputes: Questions have arisen over whether he properly resigned from LAPFUND before running for office.
4. Union Governance: Some union factions have criticized his leadership style as unilateral.

Personal Life

Relationships: During his university days, he shared publicly that his girlfriend paid for his shopping, underscoring modest financial status.

Personality: He is widely seen as bold, uncompromising, and willing to confront entrenched power structures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is Seth Panyako?

Seth Panyako is a Kenyan nurse, trade unionist, and political figure, best known as Secretary-General of KNUN.

What is his educational background?

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton.

Did he work as a nurse?

Yes — before rising in union leadership, he worked at Kenyatta National Hospital.

What political roles has he had?

He was UDA Vice Chairperson, resigned over policy disagreements, later joined a party-less movement, and has run for parliament in Malava.

What controversies surround him?

Controversies include labor strikes, internal union disputes, and legal challenges over his political eligibility.

Is he running for office now?

He was cleared in 2025 by IEBC to run in the Malava by-election.

Conclusion

Seth Panyako is a powerful example of how professional service, labor activism, and political ambition can intersect. From his days as a nurse at KNH, he has grown into a leading voice for nurses’ rights and a political actor unafraid to challenge the status quo. While he remains a polarizing figure — admired by supporters, critiqued by opponents — one thing is clear: his influence in Kenya’s labor and political landscape continues to grow. Whether in the union hall, the boardroom, or the campaign trail, Panyako’s story is far from over.