In recent years, the global political landscape has witnessed a remarkable shift, with an increasing number of Kenyan women stepping into leadership roles far from home.
These trailblazers have not only broken through traditional barriers but have also made significant contributions to their adopted countries, showcasing the strength and resilience of Kenyan women on the international stage.
In this article, WoK delves into the inspiring stories of these women who have won elective seats abroad, highlighting their journeys.
1. Lucy Gichuhi
Lucy Gichuhi, a Kenyan-born Australian politician, made history by becoming Australia’s first African Senator in 2017.
She was initially the second candidate on the Family First Party ticket for South Australia in the 2016 federal election.
Following a special recount ordered by the Court of Disputed Returns, she was declared elected in April 2017 after the court’s decision that Bob Day, the original winner, had been ineligible to stand for election.
During her tenure as a Senator for South Australia from 2017 to 2019, Gichuhi served on various parliamentary committees, including the Joint Standing Committee on the Parliamentary Library and the Senate Select Committee on Stillbirth Research and Education.
2. Sally Kimondo
Sally Kimondo, a Kenyan-born woman, has recently achieved political success in the United Kingdom by being elected as the Dunstable East Councillor.
She won the election with 372 votes, defeating three other candidates.
Kimondo’s background includes graduating from the University of Bedfordshire and working as a Senior Social Worker for 13 years.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, she founded and chairs the Luton, Dunstable & Surrounding Kenya Community Forum, which highlights her dedication to community service and engagement.
3. Huldah Momanyi
Huldah Momanyi Hiltsley made history by winning a seat in the Minnesota House of Representatives, becoming the first Kenyan-born politician to hold office in the United States.
Running under the Democratic–Farmer–Labor (DFL) Party, she secured an impressive victory with 64.78% of the vote in Minnesota’s District 38A, which includes the southwestern parts of Brooklyn Park and Osseo.
Hiltsley’s win is particularly significant given the diverse demographics of District 38A, where about 66% of residents identify as people of color, with a large portion being African immigrants.
Her campaign focused on key issues such as public safety, equitable housing, and healthcare access, resonating strongly with her constituents.
Originally from Nyamira County, Kenya, Hiltsley moved to Minnesota at age nine.
She holds three bachelor’s degrees and an MBA from Bethel University, and has built a career in data privacy and data protection while actively engaging in community advocacy.
4. Elizabeth Wanjiku Kang’ethe
Elizabeth Wanjiku Kang’ethe, a Kenyan woman, made history in the United Kingdom by winning a mayoral seat.
She was initially elected as a councillor in the UK in 2010, and last week, she further advanced her political career by securing the position of mayor.
It’s worth noting that while Kang’ethe’s accomplishment is noteworthy, the most recent major political news from the UK involves Kemi Badenoch, a British-Nigerian woman, who has been elected as the new leader of the UK Conservative Party.
Badenoch defeated Robert Jenrick in the final round of voting, becoming the first black woman to lead a major political party in the UK.
5. Lilian Seenoi-Barr
Lilian Seenoi-Barr, a Kenyan-born politician, has made history by becoming the first Black mayor in Northern Ireland.
She was officially installed as Mayor of Derry City and Strabane at a special council meeting on June 3, 2024.
Seenoi-Barr arrived in Derry as a refugee from Kenya 14 years ago and has since become an integral part of the community.
Originally from Narok County in Kenya, Seenoi-Barr takes pride in her Maasai heritage.
Before her historic appointment as mayor, she was elected as a councillor for the Foyleside area of Derry and Strabane District County, making her the first Black woman elected to public office in Northern Ireland.
In addition to her political work, she founded the North West Migrants Forum, an organization dedicated to supporting migrants in Northern Ireland.
Seenoi-Barr’s appointment is seen as a significant step toward representation and visibility for minority ethnic communities in Northern Ireland.
