Hassan Joho Biography: Lifestyle, Family, Education, Divorce, Politics, Cars etc.

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 WorthKsh2.36 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 CODESUBJECT NAMEGRADE
101EnglishD (PLAIN)
102KiswahiliD (PLAIN)
111History And GovernmentD (PLAIN)
121MathematicsE
131BiologyE
132PhysicsE
133ChemistryD (PLAIN) 
212Islamic Religious EducationD (PLAIN) 
323CommerceE
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.

Hassan Joho Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • 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.

  • Hassan Joho’s full name is Hassan Ali Joho.

  • Hassan Joho was born on 26th February 1976.

  • Hassan Joho is currently 49 years old, having been born on 26th February 1976.

  • Hassan Joho’s father is called Mzee Ali Joho

  • Hassan Joho attended Tom Mboya Primary School in Mombasa County.

    He completed his primary school education in 1988.

  • Hassan Joho 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.

  • 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.

  • YES. In 2007, Joho completed a Diploma course at Kampala University and graduated in 2013.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • After high school, Hassan Joho started a clearing and forwarding company in Mombasa before diversifying into Fintech, Real Estate, and logistics.

  • Hassan Joho entered active politics in 2004 and served as Kisauni Party Chairman for the Liberal Democratic Party (2006 – 2007).

  • 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.
  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Hassan Joho was elected as the first governor of the Mombasa County Government during the 2013 Kenya General Elections held on 4th March 2013.

  • 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%).

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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).

  • Hassan Joho is still a member of the ODM Party but doesn’t hold any leadership position.

  • 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.
  • YES. Hassan Joho was in a relationship with Kenyan News Anchor and Entrepreneur, Betty Kyallo. They later separated after being together for a while.
  • 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).

  • 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.
  • 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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External Sources

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