Dr. Swarup Ranjan Mishra, popularly known as Swarup Mishra Kesses MP, holds a unique place in Kenya’s recent political and healthcare history. A trained gynaecologist and founder of the Mediheal Group of Hospitals, Mishra made headlines in 2017 when he became the Member of Parliament for Kesses Constituency in Uasin Gishu County. What made his election remarkable was that he was the only non-local to win a seat in the Rift Valley—an area traditionally dominated by native candidates.
A Medical Background Rooted in Service
Born on January 18, 1965, in Panchapalli village, Odisha, India, Mishra came from a lineage of medical practitioners. His grandfather was a traditional healer and his father a pharmacist. Inspired by his family’s legacy, he pursued medicine and completed his MBBS from Berhampur University, later earning a Master’s in Obstetrics and Gynaecology from the University of Rajasthan. He further specialized in gynecological endoscopy at Kiel School of Medicine, Germany.
Mishra’s professional journey took him and his wife, Dr. Pallavi Mishra, from India to Ireland and later to Melbourne, Australia. However, financial difficulties led them to seek better opportunities. In 1994, they moved to Eldoret, Kenya, when Pallavi secured a job in the town. Mishra began teaching at Moi University as a lecturer in reproductive health, walking miles to Eldoret town due to lack of transport in the early days.
Founding Mediheal and Contributions to Healthcare
Mishra’s observation of gaps in Kenya’s healthcare system, particularly in fertility care, led to the founding of Mediheal Group of Hospitals. The group has since grown to include facilities in Kenya, Rwanda, and Ethiopia, offering specialized care including IVF, neurosurgery, and critical care.
His wife, Dr. Pallavi Mishra, is also a co-founder and serves as a consultant at the hospital. They began Mediheal in Eldoret to address the lack of specialized women’s healthcare. According to Pallavi, their aim was to bring modern medical technology to Kenya, especially in regions with limited access to advanced care.
Stepping into the Political Arena
Despite a thriving medical career, Mishra turned to politics, viewing it as a continuation of his philanthropic work. His entry into the political arena was met with resistance, even from close friends. However, he was determined to serve at a broader level. In 2017, he ran under the Jubilee Party and won the Kesses parliamentary seat. Locals affectionately refer to him as “Kiprop arap Chelule” — a name signifying an outsider welcomed into the community.
Mishra emphasized the separation of business and politics in his life. “Business took me into humanitarian work by involving myself in politics,” he once remarked. His political work was marked by donations, such as cows to families without livestock, scholarships for students to study in India, and bicycles for students traveling long distances to school.
The Mindset Behind the Man
Known for his flamboyant lifestyle, Mishra owns luxury vehicles, an array of high-end watches, and reportedly over 200 suits. In a media interview, he revealed he owns 18 phones and regularly carries at least eight—drawing humorous comparisons to managing a large family.
Despite his wealth, he is known for his down-to-earth approach and deep involvement in community welfare. Locals in Kesses nicknamed him “Kiprop” and embraced him as one of their own, a testament to the impact of his grassroots efforts.
Recent Appointment and Continued Influence
Though he lost his parliamentary seat to Julius Ruto in the 2022 general elections, his contributions were recognized at the national level. In November 2024, President William Ruto appointed him as Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Kenya Biovax Institute Limited. The appointment was announced via Gazette Notice No. 15336.
Kenya Biovax Institute plays a critical role in producing, packaging, and distributing vaccines and biomedical products locally. Mishra’s experience in healthcare is expected to be instrumental in guiding the institute, especially as Kenya aims to manufacture its first locally produced vaccine by the end of 2026.
A Multifaceted Legacy
Dr. Swarup Mishra continues to balance his roles as a doctor, entrepreneur, and public servant. His journey from a small village in India to being known as Swarup Mishra Kesses MP in Kenya reflects a story of resilience, vision, and service. He is seen by many not only as a leader but also as an adopted son of the region he once came to as a stranger. His impact, particularly in healthcare and community development, continues to be felt across the country.