I strive to do my best to make a difference
What you need to know:
I have supported a number of Bills. I was also the one who brought the National Youth Service motion on the floor of the House, and it has since become an Act.
Q: Tell us about your journey to politics? What were you doing before you were nominated?
A: My political career started in 2003 while at the National Council of Women of Kenya where I worked as a programme officer. I was largely working on gender and political governance and gender and economic governance.
Two years later I moved and started working with the Women’s Political Alliance of Kenya and through the mentorship of Wanjiku Kabera, I started active involvement in politics and my first assignment was working on educating Kenyans on the Wako draft constitution.
What have you accomplished since coming into the Senate?
I have supported a number of Bills. I was also the one who brought the National Youth Service motion on the floor of the House, and it has since become an Act.
Your are the first woman majority Chief Whip in the history of Parliament, how is the experience?
It has been good. As a whip my role is to mobilise members of the Jubilee Alliance to support the government Bills in the Senate. I also lobby Cord members and so far I have been successful because I do it in a humble and respectful way.
What’s your advice to women MPs who are not vocal in the House?
As women, we have an opportunity under the Jubilee government to transform our country but we must work on changing our attitude and character to progress.
What motivates you?
Making a difference in the lives of women.
Tell us about your family. How do you balance the family and work life?
I am a mother of many children. My family understands my job and I make a conscious effort to explain what it entails and this makes my life and relationships easier.
Is working in a male dominated Parliament challenging?
When I am in the House, I do not view myself as a woman but as a colleague to the men and when I have a Bill to table I will do it no matter what they say.
What keeps you going?
Being focused and knowing what you want for the citizens. We are servants of the people and what actually motivates me is waking up and working for the people. Nevertheless, we are human and we have shortcomings that should not derail us.
What are some of the challenges you encounter?
Generally women undergo so many challenges at their work place and at home. Even without looking far, the heated debate on the two-thirds gender rule is one of the challenges that the women are currently battling.
I have always wondered why men see women as their enemies when it comes to leadership positions.
How do you start your day?
I wake up early for my morning prayers, and then work out before breakfast.
You are always impeccably dressed. Where do you shop?
I get my stuff from different shops.
What’s your favourite meal?
Chapati and chicken.
Do you get time to cook for your family?
I always cook whenever I am in the house. My children enjoy traditional vegetables and chapati.
Who are your mentors?
President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Do you anticipate running for any position in 2017?
Given the chance by the people why not.
