Transforming Leadership, Changing lives The value women bring to leadership and governance 2 3 Laboso proves that women are up to the task BY JAMES KIPROTICH or Dr Joyce Cherono Laboso, being a politician Fwas one of the least things that crossed her mind. She was at home with her profession. But one day, the death of her sister changed everything. She says: “Sometimes things will happen to make you discover a new passion. And though it might come late in life, it can propel you to new heights of satisfaction and help you impact positively on fellow citizens.” Laboso, 55, says she discovered her passion after the death of her big sister, Lornah Laboso, through a plane accident in 2008. As she mourned her sister, the now the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, says the elders had other ideas. They saw her as the perfect replacement for Lornah who was credited for inspiring change in Sotik constituency. In her community, it is not easy to say no to elders. One has to go by their decision and their blessings carry a lot of weight. “I knew my sister’s shoes were too big to be filled, but I agreed to the elders’ counsel,” she recalls. In the ensuing by-election later that year, she registered a major feat. Not only did she emerge number one, but she also defeated a former army brigadier Dr Joyce Laboso 4 who enjoyed the support of the the country. infrastructure. That is how people President, Daniel Arap Moi. “Every woman legislator who connect their ways and become This, according to the deputy has faced a male competitor one.” speaker, was a testimony that knows what it means to fight and As she savours her success women power was indeed at its win. You are faced with all odds on locally, her star is also shining peak. the way. I have ensured that the at the international arena. She She says, “I was just plucked voice of the woman is adequately is currently the chair, African, from the lecture room at university heard,” she says. Caribbean and Pacific states, to face a male-dominated political Her late sister was the first European Union Parliamentary terrain. My sister had achieved her to defeat male politicians in the Assembly, which is abbreviated as best but I was not quite sure if I area and she has continued that ACP-EU Assembly. was equal to the task. At the polls, winning streak. Last year, Citihope, an I garnered a comfortable margin international women focus against the army boss.” Inspire women organization, singled her out as That victory set on path for “This victory helped to inspire one of the three top women who better tidings in politics and she women that it was all possible. were creating impact in society. has not looked back. Other women who later came But not all is easy sailing. As As soon as she joined in followed the example we had a speaker in Kenya’s biggest Parliament, she regularly featured shown. Raising the bar in regard and diverse Parliament since in the list of the legislators who to achieving what people want, independence, Laboso does not acted as temporary speakers. especially women, is a major have it easy all the time. She had marked her territory and boost.” For example, early this year proved that she had what it takes One of her achievements is legislators splashed water on her for high profile positions. promoting sustainable peace during a heated parliamentary “I decided to use this as a along the Bomet-Nyamira border. discussion. It was a tough moment learning point in my political For long time, the area was known but it did not dampen her spirit. career. First, I earned the trust for armed conflict triggered by “Such moments give you an of legislators from the different cattle rustling and competition opportunity to stand your ground. political divide. Two, I realized over resources. It hardens your resolve to stand up that this rare opportunity was a “In any armed conflict setup, to be counted.” stepping stone to new heights in women and girls are the most Her positions at the August Parliament and life. We should all affected. For years, we had seen House have been preparing her learn to appreciate the different uncalled for bloodshed between for a bigger office. She feels she is positions we hold. You learn a the two communities. One of my ready for an even bigger role come lot and prepare yourself for new vows as I joined politics was to 2017. She is going for the Bomet offices.” ensure that the two communities County gubernatorial position. Come the next elections in 2013, live in lasting peace,” she says. “First, I want to challenge the Laboso easily sailed through and Her dream has come true and notion that only male politicians was subsequently elected as the the two communities enjoy peace can be county governors. Women Deputy Speaker. Her work at the with business thriving along their are not there to fill the gaps as last Parliament had prepared her borders. mere running mates. We should all for this position, ranking her as the Laboso is also credited for run for the top job. We do not only woman with the highest position in the construction of the Sotik- have the numbers but also the Parliament. The Senate’s speaker Borabu road which connects the strength to go for it and achieve and deputy are both men. two communities. The road has the potential of our counties,” says Since 2008 when she joined the greatly encouraged and improved the mother of three. political landscape, Laboso has economic activities in the area. She adds: “This is the time made many gains. She says she has “In most cases, the easiest for us (women) to believe in our encouraged equal representation way to silence inter-community power. Let us all put in the faith in a for women in her constituency and wrangles is to have an enabling possible tomorrow.” 5 Zani, the champion of girls’ education Dr Agnes Zani BY VERONICA CHEROP even those with the potential of “It was unfortunate. It still is as it rowing up in Kwale and excelling in their studies, were is common in the coastal region. The Mombasa counties, Dr plucked from class and married economically challenged parents GAgnes Zani had first-hand off by the poor parents who were happy to get daughters whom account of what girls face in their wanted the little bride price that they saw as a source of income in formative years. was offered by men many times terms of bride price,” says Zani. She recalls how many girls, older than their daughters. This childhood experience has 6 continued to shape her approaches is to invest in their people. The to life. In her university days, she The fact that I motion was to ensure that counties did assignments and wrote papers was a lecturer invest in the people through based on this issue of poverty and at the University kitties,” says the senator. early marriages. of Nairobi, a leading For her Kwale County, such a Clearly, her work was cut out centre of excellence, kitty will help the locals establish very early in her life. As she went other small enterprises apart through school up to attaining a shows that giving from relying on the traditional Doctorate degree, Dr Zani knew girls an opportunity to tourism ventures. Already, some of that her mission was to champion study opens doors and such support is showing signs of the cause of such girls and help opportunities.” success. them realize their dreams. The growth of various savings -Dr Agnes Zani, “Through various fronts and groups in the county has helped activism movements, I was doing Nominated Senator ODM women and girls lift disentangle something for the girls in Kwale. themselves from shackles of The Orange Democratic Movement poverty. The holding of the first nomination in 2013 gave me the ever African Confederation of groups, especially girls, is the platform to help the girls,” says the Co-operative Savings and Credit establishment of a university in former sociology lecturer at the Associations in the County was each county. University of Nairobi. a show of confidence that this She believes this is the quickest As Senator, she says one “of initiatives work. way to address the regional my urgent duties was to make The Senator observes: “Such inequities which have taken root in sure such girls remained in school meetings help to demonstrate the country for far too long. and finished their education. This that there is great potential in our is the only way to tackle poverty, “Some regions lag behind people. They only need champions since the benefits of education are because centres of learning were to make their voice heard not just enormous.” located far thus limiting their politically but economically.” access to education. For instance, Dr Zani says she will not rest The Moi Girls Nairobi, University Kwale did not have a university. until girls get to study. She will of Nairobi and Oxford university Kwale represents many regions in fight for equal opportunities both alumna believes despite the the country which did not boast at the family and national levels Constitution opening up the space of such institutions of higher until she wins the battle. for women, they cannot wait for learning. It is easy to see why some opportunities. They have to seize “The fact that I was a lecturer at counties top the academic charts the moment and become leaders.