In a country where the ascension of youth to political leadership has been a rather rare eventuality, Nandi County in the Rift Valley region of Kenya has proven to be an isolated case going by the opportunities given to the youths in leadership.
The county has elected youthful leaders to high-ranking positions which sets the precedent for other counties in Kenya.
In 2017, Nandi County made history by electing the youngest governor Stephen Sang. The former senator clinched the position at the age of 32 after warding off competition from other seasoned politicians.
Notably, Sang trounced then incumbent governor Cleophas Lagat to take over the reins of power as the governor.
The electorate of Nandi county also entrusted yet another youthful lawyer, Samson Cherargei, with the role of County Senator in the same election. Cherargei went on to become a vocal member of the senate with his contribution in major debates standing out on several occasions.
Key among his outstanding contributions is the Employment (Amendment) Bill of 2022 which he sponsored and was aimed at stopping employers from calling their employees while they are off-duty.
To add icing to the cake, Joshua Kiptoo- yet another youthful leader was elected to the position of the the Speaker of Nandi County Assembly. Kiptoo, who is also a lawyer was elected the youngest county assembly speaker at the age of 28 to complete the youths' clean sweep of the county positions.
In the 2022 General Election, Governor Stephen Sang successfully defended his seat.
Senator Cherargei also retained the seat, an affirmation that the voters in Nandi County had faith in pair of youthful leaders at the county’s helm. The two rode on the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) wave that swept majority seats in the region.
Former assembly speaker Joshua Kiptoo has, however, expressed his intention to take a sabbatical from the county’s leadership.
In a statement released on Thursday, Kiptoo thanked Nandi County for having bestowed the task of leading the county assembly despite his young age.
“This time 5 yrs ago, 39 Hon members trusted a young inexperienced lawyer with the big task of 2nd Nandi Speaker. My election came on the back of a youth revolution that swept Nandi in 2017,” read the stalemate in part.
"I took on my task with passion and utmost dedication, making oversight the shining armour of our assembly. With a dedicated staff of 84 and a supportive public, I strove to make Nandi County Assembly effective and efficient. I did my best," he stated.
