From corporate world to politics: Jannet Ominde's transition plan

Jannet Ominde. (Courtesy/Facebook) Tell us about yourself. I am Jannet Afandi Ominde, the second-born in a family of nine from Jemange Village, Hamisi Constituency in Vihiga County. I attended Givogi Primary School, then proceeded to Kaimosi Girls High School for my O Levels, and later joined Mukumu Girls High School for my A Levels. I pursued a degree in Economics and Sociology at Egerton University and earned a Master's in Business Administration from the University of Nairobi, specialising in Strategic Management. I have also undertaken executive training at IESE Business School in Spain, Gordon Business School in South Africa, and Stanford Business School in the UK. I am married with three children. You have had an extensive career in the private sector for over 25 years. How did this experience shape your career in the corporate world, specifically at Safaricom PLC? I have over 28 years of experience in the telecommunications sector, covering sales, marketing, public relations, and customer experience. I spent 21 of those years at Safaricom PLC, joining at its launch as a junior manager and rising to the position of director. I managed a team of 3,000 staff and an annual operational budget of KES 5.6 billion. My consistent Year-over-Year (YoY) performance at Safaricom is a testament to my leadership. I had the privilege of working directly under Michael Joseph, Bob Collymore, and Sylvia Mulinge, who mentored me into the professional I am today. How has that experience prepared you for the challenges of governing Vihiga County? County leadership requires strong management and leadership skills. The role of governor is akin to that of a CEO-it demands vision, strategic thinking, operational efficiency, and attention to detail. It also requires strong interpersonal skills, networking abilities, and innovation. My background in executing complex projects equips me to deliver impactful agendas in Vihiga County with the same dedication and precision. Can you elaborate on the key strategies you'll employ to ensure efficient and transparent governance? First, we need to identify the priorities of the people of Vihiga through community-driven insights rather than boardroom decisions. Once established, we will prioritise based on financial capacity, urgency, and impact. A structured delivery plan will include clear milestones and mechanisms for monitoring progress. We will adjust strategies as needed to ensure effective implementation. Transparency is key-we will share progress updates both online and in public forums, encouraging genuine feedback from the community. As a woman contesting for the governorship, how do you plan to overcome the cultural and societal barriers you are likely to encounter? It's important to challenge the notion that leadership is male-dominated. Vihiga has a history of strong female leaders, such as Priscillar Ambwao, who served in Legco in the 1960s. I believe that Vihiga's exposure to early civilisation through missionary work in Nyangori and Kaimosi fostered progressive thinking. Moreover, the success of current women governors and the President's call for more female leaders demonstrate that gender is not a barrier to effective leadership. You've mentioned transforming Vihiga from dependence to self-reliance. Could you give us a concrete example of how you intend to use the county's resources to achieve this vision? Food security is fundamental to poverty eradication and good health. Although our land is limited, modern agricultural techniques can ensure year-round food production. We will strengthen agricultural extension services, support farmers with seeds for crops like carrots, cabbages, kales, beans, and maize, and promote tuber cultivation. Aqua farming will also be encouraged. Additionally, we will prioritise the mining of granite and other precious stones and explore alternative economic activities like sports and the arts. As the first woman to run for governor in Vihiga, do you consider your candidature a step towards encouraging more women to pursue leadership roles? Diversity and inclusion have always been at the core of my leadership. In my previous role, I was recognised for championing these values. I am committed to ensuring women are represented at all levels of my administration. Gender mainstreaming and support for Persons Living with Disabilities will be central to my governance, fostering a balanced and inclusive society. You mentioned that a woman's role includes multiplying value in any endeavour. How do you plan to empower women economically and socially in Vihiga County? Women's groups are key to economic empowerment. We will provide technical support, financial management training, and access to funding for these groups. I will personally engage with them, offering mentorship on running small enterprises. A county-level team of business mentors will support women in developing their entrepreneurial skills and connecting them with financial resources. As someone with extensive corporate experience, what lessons do you intend to apply in managing Vihiga County? The principles are straightforward: set clear priorities, develop actionable plans, and execute them without excuses. My focus will be on delivering tangible results to improve the lives of Vihiga residents. Time is limited, so we must act decisively to create positive change every day.

From corporate world to politics: Jannet Ominde's transition plan

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From corporate world to politics: Jannet Ominde's transition plan

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