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| Sheila Jelimo (photo Peter Magoma Nandi News) |
One look at her and you'd know you're in the presence of a charming and easy going person. Sheila Jelimo a resident of Mosop, Nandi County is an upcoming leader looking to venture into the uncertain political terrains of Nandi County.
Born and raised in Nandi, Sheila began her primary education in the same county before moving to Starehe Girls Center for her high school studies. She later joined Multi Media University where she pursued a degree in computer science.
An IT expert, Sheila says that her passion revolves around leadership, music and sports, which is an area of interest for many youths. "I am an all rounded person," she said.
WHY POLITICS?
Sheila says she has been interested in leadership for quite a while. "Since I was a young girl, I was always interested in politics and leadership," she said.
"I decided to toss myself into the political arena, my age not withstanding. I want to be an inspiration to my generation to let them know that for us to expect change, we must be part of the process," she added.
"I haven't seen the vibrancy in our leadership. I want to bring this into our politics, be able to transform the lives of our people."
She attributes her vibrancy to the exposure she got while in school outside Nandi.
The young politician called on the youth to step out of their comfort zones and grab power. "Power is not given, it is taken," she added.
WHAT AILS NANDI?
Sheila wonders why years after independence, Nandi has not had a successful industry that can transform the lives of the people.
"Despite the thriving agricultural sector in our county, little is done for value addition. Farmers end up incurring loses as their produce is sold in its raw form without adding any value. This can only be attributed to poor leadership that doesn't care about the needs of its people," she noted.
she also called on the empowerment of Kalenjin Nation by its leadership, stating that little has been done to mentor future leadership that would help in transitioning.
YOUTH FOR YOUTH KENYA
Sheila says that together with her friends, they founded a foundation aimed at empowering women. The foundation; Youth For Youth Kenya has so far reached out to people in Marsabit, Kiambu Muranga and was in the process of setting camp in Nandi.
This foundation she says is going to transform the lives of rural women. She also disclosed that she had partnered with the Women Enterprise Fund, Youth Fund and other organizations aimed at financing the said group projects.
POLITICAL SCENE IN KENYA
Sheila termed the current political situation in Kenya as chaotic. "The situation is just chaotic. I haven't supported the handshake since its inception. How can the opposition partner with the government? who would perform the oversight role?" she quipped.
PARTING SHOT
"I am calling on the people of Nandi to vet their leaders well. Pick ideologies over other things including age and wealth. Let us be aggressive as a people to ensure that we get what we deserve, grab opportunities as they come," she said.
"I am grateful for the hustler ideology which has now given us an opportunity to dream," she concluded.
The youthful politician is expected to battle it out with the incumbent Dr. Tecla Tum, former Woman Rep Zipporah Kering, MCA Cynthia Muge among other leaders.
Here is the interview
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