Transforming Leadership, Changing lives

40 Pages·2015·3.57 MB·English

Transforming Leadership,
Changing lives
Te value women bring to leadership and governance
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Laboso proves that
women are up to the task
BY JAMES KIPROTICH
or Dr Joyce Cherono
Laboso, being a politician
Fwas one of the least things
that crossed her mind. She was
at home with her profession. But
one day, the death of her sister
changed everything.
She says: “Sometimes things
will happen to make you discover
a new passion. And though it
might come late in life, it can
propel you to new heights of
satisfaction and help you impact
positively on fellow citizens.”
Laboso, 55, says she
discovered her passion after the
death of her big sister, Lornah
Laboso, through a plane accident
in 2008.
As she mourned her sister,
the now the Deputy Speaker of
the National Assembly, says the
elders had other ideas. They saw
her as the perfect replacement
for Lornah who was credited
for inspiring change in Sotik
constituency.
In her community, it is not
easy to say no to elders. One has
to go by their decision and their
blessings carry a lot of weight.
“I knew my sister’s shoes were
too big to be flled, but I agreed to
the elders’ counsel,” she recalls.
In the ensuing by-election
later that year, she registered
a major feat. Not only did she
emerge number one, but she also
defeated a former army brigadier Dr Joyce Laboso
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who enjoyed the support of the the country. infrastructure. That is how people
President, Daniel Arap Moi. “Every woman legislator who connect their ways and become
This, according to the deputy has faced a male competitor one.”
speaker, was a testimony that knows what it means to fght and As she savours her success
women power was indeed at its win. You are faced with all odds on locally, her star is also shining
peak. the way. I have ensured that the at the international arena. She
She says, “I was just plucked voice of the woman is adequately is currently the chair, African,
from the lecture room at university heard,” she says. Caribbean and Pacifc states,
to face a male-dominated political Her late sister was the frst European Union Parliamentary
terrain. My sister had achieved her to defeat male politicians in the Assembly, which is abbreviated as
best but I was not quite sure if I area and she has continued that ACP-EU Assembly.
was equal to the task. At the pols, winning streak. Last year, Citihope, an
I garnered a comfortable margin international women focus
against the army boss.” Inspire women organization, singled her out as
That victory set on path for “This victory helped to inspire one of the three top women who
better tidings in politics and she women that it was all possible. were creating impact in society.
has not looked back. Other women who later came But not all is easy sailing. As
As soon as she joined in followed the example we had a speaker in Kenya’s biggest
Parliament, she regularly featured shown. Raising the bar in regard and diverse Parliament since
in the list of the legislators who to achieving what people want, independence, Laboso does not
acted as temporary speakers. especially women, is a major have it easy all the time.
She had marked her territory and boost.” For example, early this year
proved that she had what it takes One of her achievements is legislators splashed water on her
for high profle positions. promoting sustainable peace during a heated parliamentary
“I decided to use this as a along the Bomet-Nyamira border. discussion. It was a tough moment
learning point in my political For long time, the area was known but it did not dampen her spirit.
career. First, I earned the trust for armed confict triggered by “Such moments give you an
of legislators from the diferent cattle rustling and competition opportunity to stand your ground.
political divide. Two, I realized over resources. It hardens your resolve to stand up
that this rare opportunity was a “In any armed confict setup, to be counted.”
stepping stone to new heights in women and girls are the most Her positions at the August
Parliament and life. We should all afected. For years, we had seen House have been preparing her
learn to appreciate the diferent uncalled for bloodshed between for a bigger ofce. She feels she is
positions we hold. You learn a the two communities. One of my ready for an even bigger role come
lot and prepare yourself for new vows as I joined politics was to 2017. She is going for the Bomet
ofces.” ensure that the two communities County gubernatorial position.
Come the next elections in 2013, live in lasting peace,” she says. “First, I want to challenge the
Laboso easily sailed through and Her dream has come true and notion that only male politicians
was subsequently elected as the the two communities enjoy peace can be county governors. Women
Deputy Speaker. Her work at the with business thriving along their are not there to fll the gaps as
last Parliament had prepared her borders. mere running mates. We should all
for this position, ranking her as the Laboso is also credited for run for the top job. We do not only
woman with the highest position in the construction of the Sotik- have the numbers but also the
Parliament. The Senate’s speaker Borabu road which connects the strength to go for it and achieve
and deputy are both men. two communities. The road has the potential of our counties,” says
Since 2008 when she joined the greatly encouraged and improved the mother of three.
political landscape, Laboso has economic activities in the area. She adds: “This is the time
made many gains. She says she has “In most cases, the easiest for us (women) to believe in our
encouraged equal representation way to silence inter-community power. Let us all put in the faith in a
for women in her constituency and wrangles is to have an enabling possible tomorrow.”
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Zani, the champion
of girls’ education
Dr Agnes Zani
BY VERONICA CHEROP even those with the potential of “It was unfortunate. It still is as it
rowing up in Kwale and excelling in their studies, were is common in the coastal region. The
Mombasa counties, Dr plucked from class and married economically challenged parents
GAgnes Zani had frst-hand of by the poor parents who were happy to get daughters whom
account of what girls face in their wanted the little bride price that they saw as a source of income in
formative years. was ofered by men many times terms of bride price,” says Zani.
She recalls how many girls, older than their daughters. This childhood experience has
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continued to shape her approaches is to invest in their people. The
to life. In her university days, she The fact that I motion was to ensure that counties
did assignments and wrote papers was a lecturer invest in the people through
based on this issue of poverty and at the University kitties,” says the senator.
early marriages. of Nairobi, a leading For her Kwale County, such a
Clearly, her work was cut out centre of excellence, kitty will help the locals establish
very early in her life. As she went other small enterprises apart
shows that giving
through school up to attaining a from relying on the traditional
Doctorate degree, Dr Zani knew girls an opportunity to tourism ventures. Already, some of
that her mission was to champion study opens doors and such support is showing signs of
the cause of such girls and help opportunities.” success.
them realize their dreams. The growth of various savings
-Dr Agnes Zani,
“Through various fronts and groups in the county has helped
activism movements, I was doing Nominated Senator ODM women and girls lift disentangle
something for the girls in Kwale. themselves from shackles of
The Orange Democratic Movement poverty. The holding of the frst
nomination in 2013 gave me the ever African Confederation of
groups, especially girls, is the
platform to help the girls,” says the Co-operative Savings and Credit
establishment of a university in
former sociology lecturer at the Associations in the County was
each county.
University of Nairobi. a show of confdence that this
As Senator, she says one “of She believes this is the quickest initiatives work.
way to address the regional
my urgent duties was to make The Senator observes: “Such
inequities which have taken root in
sure such girls remained in school meetings help to demonstrate
the country for far too long.
and fnished their education. This that there is great potential in our
is the only way to tackle poverty, “Some regions lag behind people. They only need champions
since the benefts of education are because centres of learning were to make their voice heard not just
enormous.” located far thus limiting their politically but economically.”
access to education. For instance,
Dr Zani says she will not rest The Moi Girls Nairobi, University
Kwale did not have a university.
until girls get to study. She will of Nairobi and Oxford university
Kwale represents many regions in
fght for equal opportunities both alumna believes despite the
the country which did not boast
at the family and national levels Constitution opening up the space
of such institutions of higher
until she wins the battle. for women, they cannot wait for
learning. It is easy to see why some
“The fact that I was a lecturer at counties top the academic charts opportunities. They have to seize
the University of Nairobi, a leading since they had opportunities at the the moment and become leaders.
centre of excellence, shows that door step.” “We are not there yet. We can
giving girls an opportunity to study celebrate for the strides made so
Another motion that she moved
opens doors and opportunities.” far but we must never lose focus
was on the need for counties to
Her father, Zachariah Zani have an investment kitty. This was of the distance to be walked. We
and mother Teresa Zani were borne out of the realization that must be willing to fght for more
distinguished educationists in most counties, despite receiving space and true representation. It
the country and Kiswahili authors huge chunks of national funding, must never be a favour for women
whose books made it to the national were apportioning very little for leaders,” advises Zani.
curriculum for decades. They investments. Dr Zani believes once the
played a greater role to who she is struggle she began is completed,
now. And she believes parents are the people of Kwale will give her
Invest in their people
key to girls’ empowerment. a more senior position to fght
“What was taking root is that
One of the strategies she bigger battles not just for them but
counties were only supposed to
has pushing for to address for the entire Coast region.
undertake development projects
access to education by
and pay salaries. Yet, one of the
marginalized communities and
fundamental functions of counties
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So near, yet too far
Dorothy Nditi Muchungu
BY AWC CORRESPONDENT ever woman governor. by virtue of being deputy to the
hen Embu Governor Dorothy Nditi Muchungu governor.
Martin Wambora was nearly claimed that history. If the But governor Wambora fought
Wimpeached by the impeachment had been upheld by his way through the courts to
Members of County Assembly the Court, then Muchungu would protect his seat and he is still
(MCAs) in 2014, Kenyans waited have ascended to the position in ofce despite the Senate
with bated breath to have the frst
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upholding the impeachment by resources can be rechanneled to across the county. That is the only
the MCAs. address other pressing needs. way we can have identifable role
The prospect of having Dorothy Her eforts are paying of. Most models to inspire others in the
at the top excited many. Women families have access to water county.”
leaders and gender activists and they are now reporting fewer She says all her initiatives
urged her to take the mantle. For waterborne diseases, she says. are geared towards bringing real
a while she acted as governor Her water initiative is entering new change to the lives of people of
while Wambora was fghting for his phase with more families set to Embu County.
reinstatement in court. beneft. “We are preparing our people
“Though it was a rare window to seize opportunities both at
that opened, I was prepared for I am keen on the county and national levels.
the challenge. I strongly believe I improving the For me, I am doing my level
was equal to the task. Why would best to contribute to the proper
standards of
anyone question my ability? functioning of this devolved
Through this opportunity I could education in the county. system of governance.”
have ably demonstrated why Education is the only But Muchungu attributes her
women should be governors and way to unlock the ability to deliver on her functions to
perhaps increase their chances of potential in our youth the management skills she gained
being elected in the next General
and enable them to in her previous engagements.
Election,” says Muchungu.
compete nationally for The former high school teacher
Having acted as a governor for had a stellar performance when she
a short moment, she says more opportunities. sat at the Gachoka Constituency
than ever convinced that women -Dorothy Nditi Muchungu Development Fund and the Tana
should go for the seat come 2017 Deputy Governor Embu County Water Services Board.
elections. “It is achievable”, she
“What these two bodies
says.
inculcated in me is the value of
Dorothy, who hails from the prioritizing issues and the prudent
far-fung Mbeere region, says she use of resources. In all my current
has remained conscious of her
The deputy governor has also initiatives, I strive to align and
people’s three key desires: poverty
initiated projects aimed at boosting utilize resources according to
alleviation, access to clean water,
the standards of education in the priorities. That is the best way to
and good roads.
county. She is doing this through uplift lives and create change for
The irony is that while the locals construction, renovation and the electorate.”
complain of access to water, Embu equipping of schools. She is currently the secretary
County is home to some of biggest
“I am keen on improving the general of the deputy governors’
dams that contribute electricity to
standards of education in the forum and also a member of
the national grid.
county. Education is the only way the Kenya Network of Women
“It is not fair that most of our to unlock the potential in our youth Governors. She sees these forums
people don’t have access to piped and enable them to compete as a launching pad to higher
water. The basic should be that we nationally for opportunities. ofces.
should be drinking from the dams
We are helping schools that “I believe women can be able
and the rivers in the county. Our
were champions in yesteryears governors. Women governors can
rivers have never dried.”
to rediscover their potential and deliver where others are failing the
This is an issue that Muchungu shine.” country,’’ she says confdently.
has taken on as one of her
The county is also establishing Though she is not keen to talk
deliverables to the people of Embu
centres of excellence aimed at about the ofce she is going to
County. She is spearheading a
promoting good performance. vie for in the next elections, the
campaign to have them connected former Kyeni Girls’ High School
to clean water. Her belief is that “The talk for good results in and Kenyatta University student
access to clean water will cut academics is not enough. What believes her current work will
signifcantly money spend to I aspire for is that we have the position her for something come
treat waterborne diseases. These centres of excellence spread 2017.
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Pushing to
the limit the
agenda of
women and
girls
Fatuma Mohamed Achani
BY JAMES KIPROTICH AND believes the work she has done believes, believe wil be the
VERONICA CHEROP so far in projecting the concerns people’s verdict. Her concern
of her people and pushing for the about the welfare of women and
‘There will be a woman realization of the rights of women girls is informed by the sorry state
president in Kenya after we the and girls has proved to the people the two are in.
current leaders prove to society that women leadership is valuable. Fatuma says many girls in the
that women are good enough “The people will one day say the county drop out of school due
to steer this country to greater Deputy Governor was a champion to early pregnancies and early
heights” of women and girls’ rights in the marriages.
community and with the Governor, One of the major causes of this
hese are the words of Kwale they worked very hard to uplift the development is the high poverty
County Deputy Governor, living standards of the people of levels that push young girls into
TFatuma Mohamed Achani, Kwale County.” early marriages. Yet, Kwale County
one of the nine females holding This, the 36-year-old lawyer has many resources including
that position in the country. Fatuma and graduate of Moi University titanium, exotic beaches, and high
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class hotels that should make come up strategic interventions easy job. In her journey in politics,
poverty history. seems to have been shaped when Fatuma sees it as a man’s world.
But the irony is that in the she was working at the Federation “When you compete with men,
midst of these resources, over of Women Lawyers (FIDA Kenya). they turn violent when the going
50 per cent of the population While at FIDA, she was involved gets tough or use women against
live in poverty “because previous in training the community on the their fellow women.
regimes failed to come up with Constitution and women leaders She thinks the things that are
relevant programmes to address on how to win political seats. afecting election of women are:
the economic challenges facing Culture, Party, Tribe and Money.
My governor
the county”, she says. Perceptions, cultural beliefs and
Fatuma says it because of has given me a lack of fnancial stability in society
this prevailing situation she lot of support hinder women from being elected
got interested in politics as a in doing my work. In into high positions including the
platform to helping her people. “I the next elections, I will presidency, she laments.
decided to go for the position of For her, the down-to-earth
be his running mate
deputy governor to help uplift the approaches to issues, honesty, a
education standards of girls, by once again. After that I clean track record, and previous
making sure that those from poor will think of going for a engagement with the people at the
families can also access education higher position.” grass roots level helped her sail
through bursaries. through with less difculty.
Since I and the governor took She says male support is
over the leadership of the County, -Fatuma Mohamed Achani, Kwale also critical for women to make
we have ensured that children who County Deputy Governor, headway in politics. The support of
qualify to join national schools her husband, Ali Kanga, who is also
receive full sponsorship. This is to her political adviser and campaign
motivate and encourage others to strategist, came in handy during
excel in education.” her campaigns. This contributed
Fatuma Mohamed Achani,
Kwale County Deputy Her other focus area is These experiences greatly helped to her victory.
Governor, reducing maternal mortality by to prepare her for the high ofce of Still, it was not easy. “There
putting in place systems that are deputy governor. are people who naturally have low
able to prevent these deaths from “As an advocate dealing with confdence in women leaders and
occurring in the frst place. She has family and succession matters, there are other leaders who are
done this by ensuring that there constitutional law, human rights not ready for transformational
are fully functional maternities in law, alternative dispute resolution changes; they believe women
every dispensary in the county. and commercial and criminal law, shouldn’t be anywhere near the
She says she has ensured this I was exposed to nearly all the high table.”
happens by pushing for increased challenges in the society and how Fatuma hopes come 2017, the
budgetary allocation to the to deal with them,” says Fatuma. residents of Kwale County would
healthcare sector. These leadership skills did not have seen what she has done and
In addition to the improved reveal themselves now. She was assess her favourably. She says
maternity serves, Fatuma’s and the the chairperson of Kwea (‘climbing she going to run for the same
governor’s leadership is credited the hill’) civil society that deals with position in 2017 because she has
with setting aside funds to help grass roots and a member of the to complete her projects which are
women improve their incomes board of management of several currently running.
from farming. In this regard, schools, all in Kwale County. These “My governor has given me a
they are availing the women with positions and interactions helped lot of support in doing my work.
free tractors and farm inputs to her appreciate the needs of her In the next elections, I will be his
improve agricultural productivity. people and how best to tackle running mate once again. After
So far so good, she says. Her them. that I will think of going for a higher
understanding of the problems But she says politics is not an position.”
aficting women and the need to