Esther Anyieni Okenyuri, the founder of 'Women for Ruto' campaign movement is the youngest senator in Kenya after she was picked to replace Soipan Tuya who was appointed Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Forestry.
Okenyuri who is also the founder of the Kisii Youth Alliance, joined her youthful counterpart 31-year-old Nyandarua Senator, John Muhia Methu.
The Bomachoge Borabu born leader is an alumna of the prestigious Kenya High School. She later joined joined the university where she was introduced to the world of leadership. She served as the first female Vice-President at the Student Organization of Maasai Mara University (SOMMU).
Prior to the 2022 General Election, Okenyuri worked as an Assistant Director, Research in the office of the Deputy President. She was charged with developing concept papers to support implementation of technical and vocational training institutions in every sub-county in Kenya, in line with the government’s agenda.
This was after an unsuccessful nomination to the Kisii County Assembly after the 2017 General Elections.
She was part of President William Ruto’s Western-Nyanza region campaign trail, mostly representing the interests of the youth.
Okenyuri was actively involved in the Kenya Kwanza campaigns, that led to her initial selection among 16 women on the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party’s senate nomination list that was submitted to the IEBC.
She battled it out with bigwigs such as Veronica Maina, the UDA Secretary General, Soipan Tuya, Miraj Abdulrahman, Joyce Korir, Caren Nyamu, Peris Tobiko and Jamhuri Guyo.
"Trusting in God, Patience, Perseverance, Consistency and Hardwork Pays. Those who walked with me in this long journey through prayers and moral support, I thank you. You have been the source of goodness, resilience, and hope from which I’ve pulled strength," she stated.
She believes that her entry into the Senate is an affirmation that if anyone works diligently and shows up for duty, that their dreams do come true.
"I am a living testimony that your background, your surname, temporary setbacks and blips in life must not define your destiny, I'm the true reflection of Bottom-Up," she confidently declared.
Top on her agenda is the elevation of the education sector with a special focus on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and improvement and efficiency of reproductive health policies in the country.
She affirmed that her nomination into senate came to her by surprise, a role she accepted with humility and pride.
"I wish to take this opportunity to thank His Excellency Dr.William Ruto for believing in me and giving me a chance to serve women in my capacity as a nominated senator. Hats off for elevating women purely on merit," she rejoiced.
When Okenyuri is not busy she enjoys a good football game, being a die-hard Manchester United fan.
Her entry into the Senate has signaled delivery on a promise made to the youth on inclusivity in matters governance and decision making.
