Essy Okenyuri: A story of Grass to Grace
By John Kariuki
Essy Okenyuri – a young leader full of ambition and strong will. Candid, meticulous, calculative and dedicated are just a few of the attributes to describe her.
At only 30 years, Essy Okenyuri is the newest member of the Senate.
She joins the Senate after she was officially gazetted as a nominated Senator to replace Soipan Tuya.
At only 30 years of age, Okenyuri would hardly believe that a villager from a little known locality whose coordinates are hard to code, would one day sit on the same table with leaders of a calibre of Senator.
She is nominated by the United Democratic Alliance UDA party to represent women in the upper house of the Senate.
“My nomination came as a surprise over and above the fact that it was humbling for a village girl to be crowned with greatness. This is about God that if you put God first everything else falls into place. It’s also an affirmation that hardwork pays,” said the Bomachoge/Borabu born leader.
Leadership is however in born and intrinsically linked to this emerging icon. At her days at Maasai Mara University she was elected as the First Female Vice President of the Students Union. She then birthed a local community based organisation CBO called Kisii Youth Alliance with the aim of locating employment for the unemployed Kisii youths in a bid to transform their lives.
These tireless efforts finally paid off when she boldly articulated issues and her unmatched eloquence and confidence did not go unnoticed. It’s at this point that the then Deputy President His Excellency Dr William Ruto, spotted her leadership skills and she secured a job as the Assistant Director Research, Strategy and Delivery Unit. She was also a key pillar in building the then newly formed United Democratic Alliance UDA party.
“This is purely on merit. I wholeheartedly organised and lobbied women for Ruto in the run up to the general elections. I did it with a lot of passion.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank His Excellency Dr William Ruto for believing in me and giving me the chance to serve women throughout the country in my capacity as a nominated Senator. It’s hats off for The President for elevating women purely on merit. It’s also testament that Kenya Kwanza Government is Keen on empowering women in every spheres.”
Essy’s key priority agenda is to make sure that she pushes for the elevation of the education sector and also to support the Technical and Vocational Education (TVETS). She is also keen to front issues on reproductive health.
She is fondly referred to as “Nyaituga” meaning a shelter for all.
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