By Prudence Minayo
David Osiany is the former Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) at the Ministry of Industrialisation, Trade and Enterprise development. He has previously worked in the media as a radio presenter and has been at the helm of a number of organisations. The eloquent Osiany is a highly sought after political commentator by local TV and radio stations.
Here is his story as told by WoK.
Education
He joined the University of Nairobi where he pursued a degree in Communication and Sociology.
Osiany made history in the institution by being elected president of Student Organization of Nairobi University (SONU) while in his second year. Prior to this, he was the faculty of arts representative in his first year at the premier university. In 2009, while still at the university, he was awarded a UNEP-Bayer Young Environmental Envoy.
In 2015, he won the prestigious Chevening scholarship. He went on to earn a Master of Science in Public Policy from the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom.
David Osiany joined the Central European University for a diploma in Political Psychology.
Career
The University of Nairobi alumnus worked at Royal Media Services owned Hot 96. He began as a sports presenter before initiating and hosting a political show dubbed The Hot Seat. Various political leaders in the country graced the show and talked about a number of national issues.
During Hon. Raila Odinga’s tenure as Prime Minister, he served as his adviser on matters pertaining to youth affairs. His duties included mainstreaming of the youth agenda into the government’s economic and political programs.
He also worked for Oxfam GB Pan-African program as a Governance Associate. At Oxfam, he researched on democratic governance and social justice advocacy in Africa. He also helped maintain and build strategic relationships with State agencies, NGOs, universities, diplomatic missions among others.
In the 2021 cabinet reshuffle by president Uhuru Kenyatta, he was appointed the CAS at the Ministry of Industrialization, Trade and Enterprise Development.
At one point, he ran Crestwood Communications- a strategic Public Relations and Communication agency in Kenya. He also worked with the Ministry of Health as a communications adviser and helped in strategic communications during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Social media users have urged Osiany to run for the presidency. Asked if he will consider this proposal, he responded:
“It is humbling, but presently premature, to be thought of as the future president of Kenya. When time comes and those proposals are made, though, I will make my stand known.”
Family/Personal Life
Hon. Osiany married radio personality Syombua Mwele Osiany in 2015 in a ceremony graced by ODM leader Raila Odinga. He proposed to her while still working on Radio. He pulled off a surprise proposal with the help of her bosses. The couple have a daughter.
The CAS is a Seventh Day Adventist. He believes it is possible for one to retain sanity, focus, uprightness, and a sense of fair judgement in politics. He alluded to Joseph and Daniel of the Bible whom despite being governors maintained their Christian principles.
