Nandi: Trail blazers; women transforming lives of residents

 

A photo collage of women making an impact in Nandi

As the international women's day approaches, Nandi News has opted to highlight some of the women positively impacting the lives of Nandi residents. This is to appreciate their efforts in bettering the lives of locals in their own ways. 

Ruth Koech

The soft spoken County Executive Committee member for health and sanitation has made great strides in the health sector. This could explain why governor Stephen Sang opted to retain her in the sector when he was re-elected.

Nandi's Health CEC Ruth Koech

Ruth who steers clear off poltics was sourced from the private sector and has continued to maintain a low profile. She has more than 28 years of experience in the health sector both locally and abroad.

One of the notable projects she has initiated is the mother and child hospital which is currently under construction at the Kapsabet referral hospital. She also initiated the oxygen plant at Nandi hills.

Ruth was last year elected the vice chair for health caucus leadership in Kenya. With her experience, she has brought in partners from around the globe to improve the health and living standards of Nandi residents. 

Valentine Simei

Founder and CEO of First Track Mentors a community based organisation in Nandi. The organizations aims at among others empower young people to; fulfil their potential, mentorship, encourage leadership skills and independent thinking and instilling trust and self confidence among its mentees.

Also read; Meet Valentine Simei, the lady transforming lives in Nandi

Valentines Simei Founder First Track Mentors 

Valentine through her programs has left a mark for the people of Nandi.  In a previous interview with this writer, Valentine stated that she ventured into mentoring due to her love for the community and her own ordeal when she lost her dad at a tender age and how she had to grow up without a father figure.

Programs by her organization have seen more and more students admitted in schools. She has been fundraising for needy students especially those joining highschools for the first time after clearing their primary school education.

She says that in the coming months her organization will be increasing its visibility in the county and beyond.

Maureen Maritim (Cheptab Nandi)

Fierce and outspoken, not afraid to state issues as they are, that's what describes Cheptab Nandi as she's known on facebook. She is a gender based violence advocate and has on numerous occasions called out those in one way or the other used violence against a spouse.

Also read: Nandi: Lady Organizes Valentine day celebrations for the elderly

Maureen Maritim at a past event 

Maureen is the founder Arise Nandi Empowerment & Advocacy Initiative an organization based in Nandi that focuses on empowerment and advocacy against gender based violence, a vice that has quickly become a matter of concern in the country. Among the issues that the organisation seeks to check include teen pregnancies, issues to do with financial literacy among other issues. She is also the Nandi County Peace Ambassador for Global Peace Foundation.

The founder also focuses on climate change activism, and is in support of President Ruto’s call to plant 15 Billion trees by 2032. 

"The Arise Nandi Empowerment Initiative focuses on women training on financial skills, youth empowerment, awareness campaigns, environmental conservation and care for the old in the society." Maureen told this writer in an earlier interview.

Mercy Chebet Mutwol (Chebo Mutwol)

She's not one to walk away from a fight. Chebo Mutwol is a fighter for the rights of the vulnerable in the society. A teacher by profession, she has chosen the Advocacy route due to her love for the society.

Also read: The Hustle; Meet Chebet Mutwol, a teacher reaping big from the art world

Chebet Mutwol at a past event

Mercy Chebet is associated with Youth For Impact Nandi an organization that prides itself in advocating for among others; financial literacy, Mental health issues, leadership and governance, climate change and environmental conservation issues, and sports and talent management matters.

Cynthia Muge 

A Fierce politician and a great articulator of issues in the assembly. She has risen to become amongst the most eloquent orators in the country.

Cynthia Muge, Nandi Woman representative 

Cynthia was first elected into the Nandi county assembly back in 2017 as the youngest MCA. Interestingly, she was elected on an independent ticket at a time when party politics played a critical role in Nandi. 

Fast forward to 2022,she vied for the County’s woman representative seat where she emerged the UDA party flagbearer. She won the seat by a clear margin. 

Cynthia Muge has been an inspiration to young women who are looking to venture into elective politics. Her rise into the political sphere is impressive!

Cynthia has been at the forefront in fighting for the marginalized members of the society in the county. Recently, she launched full scholarships for over 200 students from the less privileged. The pupils who were joining secondary schools would have their school fees for the entire 4 years paid for by the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) a fund under the purview of the Woman rep office.

Read also:Nandi; Woman Rep Cynthia Muge awards 205 students full scholarships

Cynthia's star keeps on shining and there has already been talks of her tossing herself into the gubernatorial race to take over from Sang whose term will come to an end in 20227 after the completion of his two terms allowed by the constitution.