My Story: Meet Rehema Kiteto, a passionate public servant, author transforming lives

In summary;

• Rehema is 27 years old

• She is the author of 'Daring'

• She works as an Assistant County Commissioner 

• She is passionate about her work

• Involved in other community programs

• Award winning public servant with over 7 tittles under her sleeve

Story by; John Kipchirchir

Rehema Malemba Kiteto has curved out a niche for herself as an astute public servant. She has continued to demystify the once dreaded provincial administration which was once characterized with high handedness by its officers.  Through her social media platforms with thousands of followers, we have seen her grow into a powerful young leader. This week, she spoke to this writer and this is what she had to say.

Rehema Kiteto (Photo Courtesy)

Tell us about yourself

I am Rehema Malemba Kiteto, born and raised in Samburu, Kwale County. I am a Taita woman with roots in Taita Taveta County. I currently serve as an Assistant County Commissioner in the ministry of Interior and National Administration and currently based at Bomet Central subcounty Headquarters. I grew up in Samburu, schooled at Samburu Primary School before joining Mwasere secondary school. Later, I joined Egerton university for my higher education. I majored in sociology and literature. Currently, I am pursuing a diploma in counselling psychology and will also pursue a masters on the same next year. 

Sociology and literature, does that explain your line of work?

Maybe it does. In my line of work, I mainly focus on maintaining peace and order as well as coordinating National Government  programs and projects. This kind of work is quite engaging and calls for great interpersonal skills and ability to read and understand those you are working with. I believe my area of study has made it possible for me to cope with the situations as they come. You also know I am an author, thanks to my literature studies at the university.

You are young! how did you find yourself in public service?

Ni God manze! (It is God). I graduated from the university in the year 2019. afterwards, I was out there hustling for two years where I did all manner of jobs including Kazi Mtaani, volunteering works, enumeration jobs among others to help sustain me back then. It was during this period that I created strong networks. I believe it is God who guided my steps connecting me with the right people. 

Tell us about your journey as an ACC

Well, I started as an Assistant County Commissioner Cadet, while very young (24 years old) I was still naive and timid. Looking back at the journey, it has been an interesting one. Currently I am serving as ACC III and I can state that my leadership skills have quite improved, I am now able to communicate effectively, solve problems and I have gotten a grasp of the operations in government. However, learning is a continuing process and I am trusting the process.

In your line of work, being this young, how do people treat you?

I would say that the people have treated me well. I was first deployed to Bomet and everyone including my bosses were so supportive. The community has also been very supportive and I am grateful for that. Over the years the people have appreciated what I do. 

You are already an author! How about that?

Yes I am an author. I wrote the book ''Daring'' which talks about my story for the past 25 years, highlighting the key events that made me the person I am today. It is filled with my childhood memories, how I related with my parents especially with my dad (you know how dads are close with their daughters). It also talks about relationships and the character development we get from these relationships and my life after campus and the hustling and networking that was involved. It is a book that I poured a lot of passion and dedication to ensure that it got published. The book has been well received and I've gotten a lot of feedback from the readers. 

Rehema During her book launch in Bomet 

Where do you see yourself in the future?

 I want to be a renowned professional, a respected counselor, a great public speaker and an administrator. 

What advise can you give to your fellow youth who look up to you?

Whatever they find themselves doing, they should do it. It may not make any sense to them at the moment because it doesn't align with their vision or what they pursued in school, it may not make sense now, but in the end it will. It will take them to exactly where they should be and it will be the most beautiful thing. 

Parting shot

Do not limit yourself. For the sake of your dreams, dare every opportunity. Count yourself worthy of all the opportunities you desire. Don't lock yourself out.

One last thing, uko na mtu?

SINA!