Janet Moraa: I was destined to be a leader

At 28, Janet Moraa Oyunge, commonly known as Janet Mkenya, has become a prominent figure in Nakuru's political scene, rising to the position of Majority Leader in the 2024 Youth Assembly Forum.

Born in Molo Sub-county as the second of six children, Janet attended Kimkasa Primary School and Molo Secondary School. 

Her leadership journey began early, serving as a class prefect and later as a library prefect during her primary and secondary school years.

While pursuing a BSc in Biochemistry at the University of Eldoret, Janet was elected as a congress member, notably the only woman representing her faculty.

"I believe I was destined to be a leader," she reflects.

"Although no one in my immediate family held a leadership position, my great-grandfather was a prominent chief during the colonial era. Maybe the leadership gene trickled down from there," she adds smiling.

She has been in various political organizations especially in the 2022 election which championed for more women in leadership positions in Nakuru.

Janet draws inspiration from women who have overcome challenges to assert their authority, such as the late Wangari Maathai, Phoebe Asiyo, Hon. Soipan Tuya, and Hon. Liza Chelule.

She says she is passionate about seeing women and young people in decision-making roles, contributing to the creation and implementation of policies that address their challenges.

In this year's 2024 National Youth Assembly Forum, Janet secured the position of Majority Leader, despite her unsuccessful bid for the Speaker's role.

"I believe women should lead whenever opportunities arise," she states. "Although I didn't win the Speaker position, I emerged as the top woman candidate to get most votes in the assembly," she notes.

Janet attributes much of her success to the continued support of her family, particularly her late father, who always encouraged her to pursue leadership.

"My family members are my greatest cheerleaders. My late father was the biggest of them all; he always called me a leader and assured me that I was capable of becoming a good one," she says.

Janet believes that women have consistently demonstrated their potential and capabilities. 

"They just need to seize every opportunity, and politics is no exception," she concludes.