Joseph K. Munyao

Joseph Konzolo Munyao (4 May 1940 – 22 November 2025) was a Kenyan politician and Cabinet minister. He represented Mbooni Constituency in the National Assembly in three non-consecutive terms and served as Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Development in President Mwai Kibaki’s administration from 2003 to 2007.

Early life and education Munyao was born in Makueni County and educated at Kibauni Primary, Makueni Intermediate, and Machakos School between 1958 and 1961. He lost his seat in 1979 and regained it in 1983 under the ruling Kenya African National Union party, serving until 1988.

In 2002, he was re-elected as MP under the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC) platform and appointed Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Development in President Kibaki’s government. He lost the Mbooni seat in the 2007 general election to Mutula Kilonzo.

Party leadership Munyao served for many years as the national chairman of the Democratic Party. In February 2022, he stepped down in favour of Justin Muturi, who was elected party leader.

Business and farming Munyao was a businessman and farmer. From 1973, he managed Plastic Products (K) Ltd and operated a commercial farm in Kalawa, Makueni, where he practised mixed agriculture including dairy, poultry, citrus and cotton.

Legacy Munyao's career spanned both the single-party and multi-party eras in Kenyan politics. He is remembered for contributions to livestock policy and infrastructure development in rural areas during his ministerial tenure.