Kenyans still don’t understand role of women representatives

Q: You were Executive Director for Centre of Legal Empowerment (Kituo cha Sheria) a civil society, what inspired you to join politics?

A: At Kituo cha Sheria we were representing the poor and marginalised. While we had some successes in court, this was not enough. Real changes and success in improving lives of Kenyans especially the poor and marginalised lies in political leadership. The National Budget is discussed at the National Assembly, this is where we can make impact in the fight against poverty. I made the decision to leave Kituo and seek an elective post in Nyeri. I had taken part in drafting of laws. Further, I took the view that a new constitutional dispensation needed new leaders and I felt the call from God to serve His people and to serve my County of Nyeri.

What drives you?
I am driven by the need to make positive change and hard work. I love my job and work very hard at it. I am also driven by the need to live God’s purpose for my life.

Do you think you have done well in the first one year?

As a Woman Rep, we have the three roles of an MP – lawmaking, budget making and oversight. But in addition we are the only representatives of our counties in the National Assembly and we also represent and give voice to affirmative action groups as ours is a special seat. We have done well on some aspects. We have four women reps who chair committees, two vice chairs, two PSC commissioners and six members in the House Business Committee. As Women Reps we have one of the most active caucuses — which I chair — in Parliament.

We held a reflection meeting with Women Reps in April and agreed that we hadn’t done as well and thus needed to do more.

Do you think there’s need to educate people on the role of women representative?

Yes, because some people think we were elected to work with governors at the county government. Others assume we only represent women because of our title. Our title is County Woman MP or in full the Woman Member of the National Assembly. There needs to be civic education on all positions so that people do not judge us for things we may have no control about.

What challenges do women encounter when getting into politics?

One challenge is our politics of money and the second is the poor attitude towards leadership by women. On politics of money, women should stand for values and positive change and run efficient campaigns. Women should avoid the problems and bad habits of men, for instance, the use of alcohol during campaigns. Women in leadership should be good role models so that the country can vote more women.

What are you doing to curb the alcohol menace in Nyeri?

Alcoholism is a big problem in the six constituencies of Nyeri. I ran health, education, and anti-alcohol campaigns using sports, football and volleyball. We speak to the youth about what alcohol does to their lives. Further, I have worked very hard to get government to budget for a rehabilitation centre in Nyeri and another one in Tetu.

How do you manage to juggle family and politics?

The biggest personal sacrifice for politicians is family time. I set aside some time to spend with family, not as much time but I try to be there for them and we keep in touch. It is difficult because on most weekends we tend to be in our counties but I try to spend time with my family and especially my daughter.

What is the biggest lesson you learnt from your parents.

The biggest lesson from my mother is trust in God, my mother is very hard-working and down to earth. From my dad, the biggest lesson which I have not learnt well is time keeping and respect for family. My father is also very clean, smart and orderly. I get that from him.

Are you married?
I am in a bit of an interesting family arrangement. I have a 15-year-old daughter.

What do you enjoy doing?

I love football, theatre, tea and I enjoy my sleep! I love Facebook and interact with Nyerians sharing on our work and what goes on in Bunge.

Which woman do you admire most?
Hillary Clinton and the late Professor Wangari Maathai.

What is your favourite music?
Country music and Kikuyu oldies.