List of Presidents of Kenya: Past and Present

Last updated November 2026

This page lists the presidents and heads of state of Kenya from 1964 to the present, with the years each leader was in office and a short summary of their time in power. Use it to find the current president of Kenya, former leaders, and key dates in the country's political history.

Current president of Kenya: William Ruto (in office since 2022).

Presidents of Kenya in order, with years in office

Jomo Kenyatta

Served: 1964–1978

First president after the republic was proclaimed on 12 December 1964; died in office in August 1978.

Daniel arap Moi

Served: 1978–2002

Kenya's longest-serving president at 24 years; multiparty politics returned in 1991 during his rule.

Mwai Kibaki

Served: 2002–2013

Economist who led during the 2007–2008 post-election crisis; a new constitution was adopted in 2010 during his term.

Uhuru Kenyatta

Served: 2013–2022

Son of Jomo Kenyatta; served two terms until September 2022.

William Ruto

Served: 2022–present

Former deputy president who was sworn in on 13 September 2022.

Frequently asked questions about the presidents of Kenya

Who is the current president of Kenya?

The current president of Kenya is William Ruto, in office since 2022.

Who were the previous presidents of Kenya?

The presidents and heads of state of Kenya listed on this page, in order, are: Jomo Kenyatta, Daniel arap Moi, Mwai Kibaki, Uhuru Kenyatta, William Ruto.

Who was the first president of Kenya?

Jomo Kenyatta was the first president of Kenya, in office 1964–1978.

Sources: Archontology.org, Kenya: Heads of State; Wikipedia, President of Kenya; Britannica (checked Nov 2026). Kenya has had five presidents since 1964.. Last reviewed November 2026.

Presidents of other Africa countries