Hassan Ali Joho is a Kenyan Politician and Entrepreneur. He has served as Kisauni Member of Parliament and Mombasa County Governor for two consecutive five-year terms. He is the current Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs. He was born on 26th February 1976.
Hassan Joho Biography
| Full Names: | Hassan Ali Joho |
| Known as: | Governor 001, Joho, Joho 001, HAJ |
| Date of Birth: | 26th February 1976 |
| Age: | 49 Years Old |
| Place of Birth: | Majengo, Mombasa, Kenya |
| Place of Growth: | Majengo-Sidiria, Mombasa, Kenya |
| Profession: | Politician, Entrepreneur |
| Net Worth | Ksh2.36 Billion (Approx. $18.4Million) (As at 4th August 2024) |
Hassan Joho Family
Hassan Joho’s Father is known as Mzee Ali Joho, who is also a businessman.
He lost his mother, Ummu Kulthum, to cancer years ago.
Hassan Joho Education
- Tom Mboya Primary School – Mombasa
Hassan Joho attended Tom Mboya Primary School located in Mombasa, Kenya.
He completed his primary education in 1988.
- Serani Secondary School – Mombasa
Joho took a one-year break after transitioning from Primary to Secondary because his parents couldn’t afford the school fees at the time.
He later contributed to his own school fees.
He attended Serani Secondary School located in Mombasa, Kenya, on 22nd February 1990 and completed his secondary education in November 1993.
Hassan Joho scored a mean grade of D– (MINUS) in his KCSE (Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education) exams.
He scored as follows in 9 subjects;
| SUBJECT CODE | SUBJECT NAME | GRADE |
| 101 | English | D (PLAIN) |
| 102 | Kiswahili | D (PLAIN) |
| 111 | History And Government | D (PLAIN) |
| 121 | Mathematics | E |
| 131 | Biology | E |
| 132 | Physics | E |
| 133 | Chemistry | D (PLAIN) |
| 212 | Islamic Religious Education | D (PLAIN) |
| 323 | Commerce | E |
| MEAN GRADE: D – (MINUS) | ||
- Bridging Course
In 2006, Joho embarked on a journey to obtain his first degree, during which he completed a bridging course to enable him to join a university.
- Kampala University – Uganda
In 2007, Joho completed a Diploma course at Kampala University and graduated in 2013.
- Gretsa University, Thika – Kenya
He later did a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce from Gretsa University located in Thika, Kenya.
He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce (Human Resource Management) – Second Class honours, Lower Division in August 2018.
- Harvard Kennedy School of Government
Joho subsequently enrolled in the Public Leadership Credentials program at Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
This program serves as a path toward a mid-career master’s degree in Public Administration, which he is currently pursuing.
He plans to earn a Doctoral degree in the future.
Hassan Joho Business
After high school, Joho started a clearing and forwarding company in Mombasa before diversifying into Fintech, Real Estate, and logistics.
Hassan Joho Political Journey
Hassan Joho entered active politics in 2004 and served as Kisauni Party Chairman for the Liberal Democratic Party (2006 – 2007).
He later ran a by-election in Kisauni Constituency that wasn’t very successful.
Kisauni Member of Parliament
Hassan Joho secured his election as the Member of Parliament (M.P.) for Kisauni Constituency in what was then Coast Province.
This occurred during the 2007 Kenyan General Elections, which were held on 27th December 2007.
He also served on various committees in Parliament during his tenure as Kisauni MP, including the Defence and Foreign Relations Committee, where he served as Vice Chairman.
Assistant Minister for Transport
Joho was appointed the Assistant Minister for Transport in March 2012, serving under the 3rd President of Kenya, the Late Emilio Mwai Kibaki, until March 2013.
Mombasa County Governor ( 2013 – First Term)
Hassan Joho was later elected as the first governor of the Mombasa County Government during the 2013 Kenya General Elections held on 4th March 2013.
He won the elections on the ODM Party ticket, garnering a total of 132,583 votes (49.3%).
He defeated his closest rival, Suleiman Said Saleh Shahbal (Wiper Democratic Movement), who garnered a total of 94,905 votes (35.3%).
All total valid votes were 268,682.
Mombasa County Governor ( 2017 – Second Term)
Joho later won his reelection as Governor on the ODM Party ticket during the 2017 Kenya General Elections held on 8th August 2017, garnering a total of 116,833 votes (65.62%).
He defeated his closest rivals, Suleiman Said Saleh Shahbal (Jubilee Party) and Hassan Omar Hassan (Wiper Democratic Movement), among others.
Suleiman Said Saleh Shahbal garnered a total of 35,758 votes (20.08%) while Hassan Omar Hassan garnered a total of 22,358 votes (12.56%).
All total valid votes were 178,038.
Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs
Hassan Joho was later nominated by Kenyan President William Ruto as a member of his Cabinet, succeeding Salim Mvurya as Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs following the cabinet reshuffle on July 24th, 2025.
Salim Mvurya was then nominated to the Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports.
Hassan Joho is among the beneficiaries of an agreement between President Ruto and the Opposition.
The agreement involves appointing prominent members of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to the Cabinet.
The move is intended to create a more broadly represented administration.
Joho was joined by John Mbadi Ng’ongo (Cabinet Secretary nominee for National Treasury and Economic Planning), Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya (Cabinet Secretary nominee for Co-operatives and Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development), and James Opiyo Wandayi (Cabinet Secretary nominee for Energy and Petroleum).
Joho, alongside Mbadi, Oparanya, Wandayi and others, was sworn into office on July 24th, 2025, by the Kenyan President, William Ruto, at Statehouse after being approved by Parliament.
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Leadership
Hassan Joho was the deputy party leader of the ODM Party alongside Wycliffe Oparanya until his appointment to the Cabinet, which requires one not to hold any position of leadership in a party.
They were replaced by Abdulswamad Nassir (current Governor of Mombasa), Simba Arati (current Governor of Kisii) and Godfrey Osotsi (current Senator of Vihiga).
Joho is still a member of the ODM Party but doesn’t hold any leadership position.
Hassan Joho Marriage
Hassan Joho was formerly married to Madina Giovanni Fazzini in an Islamic wedding on February 11th, 2011.
Madina has an Italian father and a Somali mother, so she is Italian.
Fazzini initiated divorce proceedings on January 26th, 2022, filing a case at the Kadhi’s Court in Mombasa.
She cited that the 11-year marriage was irrevocably broken and beyond any possibility of revival.
In February 2022, Hassan Joho, through his lawyer, signed a consent to end the marriage with his then-wife after nine years of separation.
The Chief Kadhi issued a divorce paper during the same period.
At the time, the two had two children, aged 9 and 8.
Fazzini had reportedly demanded a new house and children’s upkeep, among other things, from the then-governor.
Joho agreed to support their children but refused to buy her a new house.
Hassan Joho Relationships
Hassan Joho was in a relationship with Kenyan News Anchor and Entrepreneur, Betty Kyallo.
They later separated after being together for a while.
Hassan Joho Net Worth
During his Vetting session as Cabinet Secretary nominee for Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs on August 4th, 2024, he stated his net worth to be Kenya Shillings 2,361,332,249 (Two Billion, three hundred and sixty one million, three hundred and thirty two thousand, two hundred and forty nine Kenya Shillings).
He stated that his net worth is made up of
- Developed and undeveloped properties in Mombasa, Vipingo, Nairobi and Malindi.
- Shareholdings in various property holdings.
- Shareholding in Family businesses.
- Valuables such as Watches.
- Cash at the bank.
Hassan Joho Cars
Hassan Joho has an impressive Car collection, including a Lamborghini Urus Performante, a Mercedes-Benz G-63 AMG, a Bentley, a Ferrari, and a Range Rover with customised plates, among other vehicles.
Hassan Joho Drug Trafficking Allegations
In 2010, a US Embassy dossier was presented to Parliament by the then-Internal Security Minister, Professor George Saitoti, who served under the Mwai Kibaki Administration.
This document named several high-profile Kenyans, including then-Members of Parliament Gideon Mbuvi Sonko (Makadara), Hassan Joho (Kisauni), Assistant Minister Harun Mwau (Kilome), and William Kabogo (Juja), as suspected drug traffickers.
Joho has often dismissed the accusations as politically motivated smear campaigns aimed at derailing his political career.
He argued that if he were involved in illegal activities, he would not have survived past political regimes that were critical of him.
Other Info
In 2022, Joho hosted a Birthday Party graced by various celebrities, including Khaligraph Jones, Redsan, and Otile Brown.
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Hassan Joho Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who is Hassan Joho?
Hassan Ali Joho is a Kenyan Politician and Entrepreneur. He has served as Kisauni Member of Parliament and Mombasa County Governor for two consecutive five-year terms. He is the current Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs.
- What is Hassan Joho's full name?
Hassan Joho’s full name is Hassan Ali Joho.
- When was Hassan Joho born?
Hassan Joho was born on 26th February 1976.
- How old is Hassan Joho?
Hassan Joho is currently 49 years old, having been born on 26th February 1976.
- What is the name of Hassan Joho's father?
Hassan Joho’s father is called Mzee Ali Joho
- Which Primary School did Hassan Joho attend?
Hassan Joho attended Tom Mboya Primary School in Mombasa County.
He completed his primary school education in 1988.
- Which Secondary School did Hassan Joho attend?
Hassan Joho attended Serani Secondary School located in Mombasa, Kenya, on 22nd February 1990 and completed his secondary education in November 1993.
- Which Mean Grade did Hassan Joho score in his KCSE exams?
Hassan Joho scored a mean grade of D– (MINUS) in his KCSE (Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education) exams.
- Did Hassan Joho do a bridging course?
YES. In 2006, Joho embarked on a journey to obtain his first degree, during which he completed a bridging course to enable him to join a university.
- Did Hassan Joho attend Kampala University?
YES. In 2007, Joho completed a Diploma course at Kampala University and graduated in 2013.
- Did Hassan Joho attend Gretsa University?YES. Hassan Joho did a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce from Gretsa University located in Thika, Kenya. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce (Human Resource Management) – Second Class honours, Lower Division in August 2018.
- What Program did Hassan Joho enroll at Harvard Kennedy School of Government?Hassan Joho enrolled in the Public Leadership Credentials program at Harvard Kennedy School of Government. This program serves as a path toward a mid-career master’s degree in Public Administration, which he is currently pursuing.
- What business did Hassan Joho start after highschool?
After high school, Hassan Joho started a clearing and forwarding company in Mombasa before diversifying into Fintech, Real Estate, and logistics.
- When did Hassan Joho start politics?
Hassan Joho entered active politics in 2004 and served as Kisauni Party Chairman for the Liberal Democratic Party (2006 – 2007).
- Was Hassan Joho the M.P. for Kisauni Constituency?YES. Hassan Joho secured his election as the Member of Parliament (M.P.) for Kisauni Constituency in what was then Coast Province. This occurred during the 2007 Kenyan General Elections, which were held on 27th December 2007.
- In which Committees did Hassan Joho serve in Parliament as Kisauni M.P?
Hassan Joho served on various committees during his tenure as Kisauni MP, including the Defence and Foreign Relations Committee, where he served as Vice Chairman.
- When was Hassan Joho appointed as Assistant Minister for Transport?
Hassan Joho was appointed the Assistant Minister for Transport in March 2012, serving under the 3rd President of Kenya, the Late Emilio Mwai Kibaki, until March 2013.
- When was Hassan Joho first elected as Mombasa County Governor?
Hassan Joho was elected as the first governor of the Mombasa County Government during the 2013 Kenya General Elections held on 4th March 2013.
- When did Hassan Joho win his reelection as Governor?
Hassan Joho won his reelection as Governor on the ODM Party ticket during the 2017 Kenya General Elections held on 8th August 2017, garnering a total of 116,833 votes (65.62%).
- When was Hassan Joho nominated as C.S for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs?
Hassan Joho was nominated by Kenyan President William Ruto as a member of his Cabinet, succeeding Salim Mvurya as Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs following the cabinet reshuffle on July 24th, 2025.
- When was Hassan Joho sworn in as C.S for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs?
Hassan Joho was sworn into office on July 24th, 2025, by the Kenyan President, William Ruto, at Statehouse alongside other CS nominees approved by Parliament.
- Is Hassan Joho still a deputy party leader for ODM Party?
NO. Hassan Joho was the deputy party leader of the ODM Party alongside Wycliffe Oparanya until his appointment to the Cabinet, which requires one not to hold any position of leadership in a party.
- Who are the current deputy party leaders for ODM?
The current deputy party leaders of ODM are Abdulswamad Nassir (current Governor of Mombasa), Simba Arati (current Governor of Kisii) and Godfrey Osotsi (current Senator of Vihiga).
- Is Hassan Joho still a member of the ODM Party?
Hassan Joho is still a member of the ODM Party but doesn’t hold any leadership position.
- Is Hassan Joho married?Hassan Joho is NOT currently married. He was formerly married to Madina Giovanni Fazzini in an Islamic wedding on February 11th, 2011. Fazzini initiated divorce proceedings on January 26th, 2022, filing a case at the Kadhi’s Court in Mombasa. She cited that the 11-year marriage was irrevocably broken and beyond any possibility of revival. In February 2022, Hassan Joho, through his lawyer, signed a consent to end the marriage with his then-wife after nine years of separation. The Chief Kadhi issued a divorce paper during the same period.
- Was Hassan Joho and Betty Kyallo in a relationhip?YES. Hassan Joho was in a relationship with Kenyan News Anchor and Entrepreneur, Betty Kyallo. They later separated after being together for a while.
- What is Hassan Joho's Net Worth?
During his Vetting session as Cabinet Secretary nominee for Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs on August 4th, 2024, he stated his net worth to be Kenya Shillings 2,361,332,249 (Two Billion, three hundred and sixty one million, three hundred and thirty two thousand, two hundred and forty nine Kenya Shillings).
- What is Hassan Joho's Net Worth made up of?Hassan Joho’s net worth of 2,361,332,249 is made up of
- Developed and undeveloped properties in Mombasa, Vipingo, Nairobi and Malindi.
- Shareholdings in various property holdings.
- Shareholding in Family businesses.
- Valuables such as Watches.
- Cash at the bank.
- What cars does Hassan Joho have in his collection?
Hassan Joho has an impressive Car collection, including a Lamborghini Urus Performante, a Mercedes-Benz G-63 AMG, a Bentley, a Ferrari, and a Range Rover with customised plates, among other vehicles.
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