As I walked into his office, the red carpet, and the ambience of his office struck me. This is the office of the director political affairs, executive office of the president currently held by Nicholas Kibet. Kibet, as he is fondly referred to by his friends is a quiet chilled man who is always smiling.
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| Director Political Affairs in the Executive Office of the President Nicholas Kibet. He is also a passionate farmer (photo courtesy Nicholas Kibet Facebook) |
So, I asked him how he got there, and believe you me, he did not give me the cliche answer of 'Ni God Mazee,' no. He told me that it was out of sheer hardwork and most importantly loyalty to the party and his bosses.
Who is he?
Nicholas was born and raised in Nandi, Kiptuiya ward. He schooled at the local Chepsui primary school before joining Kaimosi high for his secondary education where he cleared his form four in the year 2008.
He later joined Moi university where he studied project planning and management. He briefly had to drop out of school due to school fee challenges. He eventually graduated in 2016 after a small hiatus.
Community engagements
Nicholas boasts of over ten years in community service. He has on numerous occasions been engaged in rallying support for kids from underprivileged backgrounds, seeking funds to enrol them into secondary schools.
"I have about five students currently in various universities within the country. Through support from various personalities and my friends, we were able to take them to school after they did exceptionally well in their primary school examinations." He said.
Kibet associates his vast experience in community engagement to the Youth Bunge, which he was elected to back in 2015. It is from this point that he got to work with governmental and non govermental organizations.
"Most of my experiences in community service stems back to when I joined the youth bunge as the president, Nandi Chapter. I got trained on how governments work." He told this reporter.
What are some of his strengths?
Kibet, is a strong grassroots mobiliser. This has definitely worked to his advantage. He stated that he strives to be a role model to his peers.
"I strive to be a role model to my peers. Whatever I do, I put this in mind. I also want my peers to note that you don’t have to be in government for your voice to be heard. At the lowest level, your voices can be heard. Keep engaging with local leaders and your voice will definitely matter." Said Kibet.
His political journey
It began in 2015, when he was elected the president youth bunge, Nandi Chapter. This was an eye opener for him. He went ahead to vie for MCA seat in Kiptuiya ward. He successfully got the Jubilee ticket in 2017. However, his bid was unsuccessful after he came second. The same happened in last years general elections.
Director Political Affairs
"This came as a surprise to me, I am grateful to the president and his office for giving me this opportunity to serve in government. It is an opportunity of a lifetime."
Kibet states that the office has given him an opportunity to further understand the operations of government.
"It's a new office meaning there are new challenges to be faced. I am ready for them moving forward."
Love for farming
"I am a farmer. I grow crops and rear animals at my farm back in the village. I won't let go of this. Farming has been good to me, I don't see myself abandoning it." He said.
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| A herd of goats and sheep owned by Kibet (photo courtesy) |
Future plans
Kibet says that he is looking foward to engaging with the people. He says that he will be taking a break from elective politics to focus on his career in public service.
"I will be taking a break from elective politics to focus on self growth. I will take the time to focus on public service and philanthropy. I will also take up mentorship whereby I'll be focusing on up and coming young leaders and farmers too." He added.
"I would like to remind fellow youth that it is not a must for them to be elected to have influence."
"I was moulded from my engagement with the Youth Bunge and the civil society.
Parting shot
"The fact that I am here today means that indeed it is possible for anyone to make it in this country. We need to remain focused on our goals and ultimately everything will be in order." He concluded.
Gavennor 3032
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