The leadership of the coastal counties in 2022 is one to watch as some governors, who are in their second and last terms according to the constitution, exit the stage.
As the polls approach, 4 women have tossed themselves in the ring to succeed the retiring male governors of the coastal counties.
One iron lady who will definitely be in the race is Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa, who seeks to take over from Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi.
Aisha Jumwa, who was the first woman to serve the Malindi constituency is itching to become the first female governor in the region.
“This is an idea whose time has come. I will not bow down to any intimidation. As a woman leader, I will take the leadership,” Aisha Jumwa said.
In Kwale County, Umra Omar, a neuroscientist is seeking to make Fahim Twaha a one-term governor.
Having gained recognition from Global organizations and Non-governmental organizations, Umra believes that she is the right person to steer Lamu County’s development.
“In the next few years, Lamu is expected to experience exponential growth out of the Lamu port. This means Lamu has to get out of that boxed mind of retrogressive politics of Lamu West versus Lamu East, Christians and Muslims, indigenous and outsiders. To wade through this kind of a mess, this county requires a visionary leader, who is a complete departure from old politics,” Umra told the people daily.
Elsewhere, in Kwale County, Deputy Governor Fatma Achani seeks to succeed her boss Salim Mvurya, who is serving his second term.
According to Achani, her development record under Mvurya’s regime is unmatched and its only wise for her to continue with the legacy.
“We have delivered all projects in all areas uniformly. A project that is in Digo-land is the same project you will find in Duruma. It is for this reason that in 2017, Governor Mvurya secured victory in both Digo and Duruma-land regardless of his origin as a son of Duruma. I expect the same support,” she told People daily.
In Taita Taveta county, Patience Nyange, a member of the Media Council of Kenya has declared her interest to succeed Granton Samboja, who has only served for one term.
Being a communications expert, Patience seeks to rebrand Taita Taveta County and give it an international outlook.
The Coastal counties also have Mishi Mboko, who was once thought to be a suitable successor for Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho.
However, Mishi Mboko has gone mute on her dream to be Governor, leaving the Mombasa race to be male-dominated.
