KAPSABET, Nandi County; Nandi Woman Representative Cynthia Muge has embarked on a five day official tour of Australia, where she is expected to engage members of the Kenyan diaspora on investment opportunities in Nandi County and the broader economic role of remittances in Kenya's development, she will also be seeking their support for her 2027 gubernatorial bid.
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| Nandi Woman Representative Hon. Cynthia Muge (Photo courtesy; Cynthia Muge, Facebook) |
Muge, who is widely viewed as one of the leading contenders in the race to succeed Governor Stephen Sang in 2027, arrived in Adelaide at the start of a tour that will also take her to Melbourne, Sydney and Perth.
The legislator has increasingly positioned herself as a key figure in Nandi politics ahead of the next general election, where she is expected to battle for the county's top seat against a field that will include Lawyer Allan Kosgey, Tinderet MP Julius Melly and other influential political figures.
Her political journey began in 2017 when she won the Kilibwoni Ward MCA seat as an independent candidate, defying established party structures. The victory elevated her profile across the county and laid the groundwork for her successful bid for the Woman Representative position in 2022.
Speaking upon her arrival in Australia, Muge emphasized the growing importance of diaspora remittances to Kenya's economy and called for a shift from consumption-based spending towards long term investments.
According to the legislator, diaspora remittances surpassed the USD 5 billion mark in 2025, translating to approximately KSh 650 billion and making them Kenya's largest source of foreign income ahead of traditional earners such as tea, coffee and tourism.
"We will have candid conversations on how we can support the diaspora team to pull resources together, while safeguarding their investments at home for the larger good. This is in the true spirit of the saying that goes, 'we left home to build home,'" Muge stated.
The Woman Representative pointed to Kapsabet and Nandi Hills as towns with significant untapped investment potential. She cited opportunities in the hospitality industry, including the establishment of three-star hotels and above, modern shopping malls and international business franchises.
Her remarks are likely to resonate with many Nandi residents living abroad who continue to send substantial amounts of money home to support families and finance development projects.
Political observers note that Muge's international engagements and investment focused messaging could strengthen her profile among professionals, businesspeople and diaspora voters with interests in the county's future development.
As the 2027 gubernatorial race gradually begins to take shape, candidates are increasingly seeking to present themselves not only as political leaders but also as champions of economic transformation.
Whether Muge's diaspora investment agenda will translate into political support remains to be seen, but her Australian tour offers an early glimpse into the development focused platform she may carry into what is expected to be one of the most competitive gubernatorial contests in Nandi's history.