Former Sports CEC Josephine Achieng' declares her candidacy for the Nakuru Town West MP seat

Josephine Achieng’, the former Nakuru County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Sports, has officially declared her intention to run for the position of Member of Parliament for Nakuru Town West.

She is the first woman to publicly announce her intention to run for the seat, setting the stage for what promises to be a competitive political contest ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking to Mtaa Wangu, Achieng’ says that her decision was inspired by her deep connection to the constituency and her desire to offer a new approach to leadership.

“We have had the same Member of Parliament ever since I was in college, and I believe it is time for change. Having been born in Rhonda and having lived in Nakuru Town West for most of my adult life, I have first-hand experience of the challenges that residents face," she says.

Her primary focus would be youth empowerment, noting that unemployment and a lack of opportunities had left many young people vulnerable to political manipulation.

“Our youth are hopeless and desperate, and politicians are taking advantage of that. I want to encourage them to earn a decent living and equip them with the necessary skills," she explains.

The former sports executive also emphasised her commitment to effective representation and people-centred legislation.

"We need a leader who can articulate the issues affecting our people and come up with long-lasting solutions," she says.

During her time as CECM for Sports, she spearheaded initiatives that united Nakuru’s youth through sports tournaments. She says these efforts helped to curb gang-related divisions in the city.

"There was a time when youths had set up territorial “boundaries” enforced by criminal gangs. I took it upon myself to organise sporting events that brought them together. Today, I can confidently say that chapter is behind us," she says.

The entry of Achieng into the race is expected to heat up politics in Nakuru Town West, as new contenders challenge the long-serving MP Samuel Arama, who has held the seat since 2013. Elected under the Jubilee Party, Arama was one of only two Nakuru MPs to retain their seats in 2022 without joining the ruling UDA wave.

“The people are ready for change. Real improvement in our constituency can only come through that change," she says.