Before becoming Murang’a Deputy Governor, Stephen Munania was a campus hustler selling boiled eggs, preparing uji and making fresh juice to earn a living.
The small businesses taught him independence, resilience and the value of creating opportunities for himself, lessons he says continue to shape his approach to leadership and youth development.
A trained diplomat, Munania studied Disaster Management and International Diplomacy at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology before pursuing a master’s degree in International Relations and Diplomacy.
His university years were also shaped by student leadership, academics and Christian Union activities, which exposed him to different experiences and helped him develop an interest in public service.
Today, he is championing initiatives aimed at expanding opportunities for young people in Murang’a, including the establishment of the Murang’a Youth Service (MYS), attracting investment to the county’s Industrial Park and encouraging youth participation in governance.
We know you as Murang’a Deputy Governor. But who is Stephen Munania?
I am a trained diplomat and a strong champion of youth development. I believe in moving beyond youth narratives to creating real opportunities for young people.
This includes championing the youth policy that led to the establishment of the Murang’a Youth Service (MYS), attracting investments to the Murang’a Industrial Park and opening up spaces for young people to participate meaningfully in leadership and decision-making.
Above all, I believe in protecting political freedom and creating an environment where young people can freely express themselves, participate in governance and shape the future of our county and country.
Where and what did you study in university or college?
I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Disaster Management and International Diplomacy at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology. Later, I advanced my studies with a Master’s degree in International Relations and Diplomacy.
Best and least favourite lecturer?
I didn’t have a particular favourite or least favourite lecturer. I appreciated them all.
How was campus life generally?
I was actively involved in student leadership, academics and Christian Union activities, which exposed me to different experiences, challenges and opportunities.
I also made meaningful friendships, learned independence and discovered a lot about myself.
How did you make money while on campus?
I sold boiled eggs, prepared uji over the weekends and sold fresh juices after church on Sundays. This taught me how to survive, build and create opportunities for myself.
How was dating and relationships on campus?
Complex and consequential.
Where did you hang out on weekends?
I enjoyed road trips, both to places outside campus and exploring around campus. I also enjoyed watching movies.
I believe campus should be a time to explore, meet people and experience new things.
What did you do with your free time?
I participated in the Christian Union (CU), particularly the church dance team, and was involved in Red Cross activities.
Classmates you will never forget?
All my groupmates.
In many counties, healthcare has often been a challenge. What specific steps is your administration taking to address shortages of medicines, medical personnel and equipment in Murang’a hospitals and health centres?
Through partnerships and investment in medical infrastructure, we have expanded kidney dialysis services with BenaCare.
Spanish medical teams have also conducted surgical camps in Murang’a, providing specialised operations and training for local medical personnel.
We are connecting public health facilities to reliable internet and exploring further partnerships, including with the Slovakian Embassy.
Agriculture is a major source of livelihood in Murang’a. What concrete measures is the county implementing to help farmers?
First, through the Inua Mkulima and Guaranteed Minimum Returns programmes, we support farmers in key value chains, including maize, sorghum, mangoes and dairy. We also provide certified maize seeds and subsidised fertiliser to lower production costs.
Second, we support mango farmers through subsidies and market linkages, including partnerships with Food for Education to supply school meal programmes and reduce post-harvest losses.
Third, through the Murang’a County Creameries Cooperative Union (MCCC), we are improving milk collection, cooling and processing, targeting Sh50 per litre.
Finally, we are advancing plans for the County Aggregation and Industrial Park to improve storage, market access and agricultural value addition.
What role is Murang’a County playing in creating sustainable employment opportunities for young people?
Our focus is to build an economy that generates sustainable jobs for generations, not just temporary opportunities.
Through the Murang’a Youth Service (MYS), we combine community service, skills development and practical opportunities for young people.
We also seek investments that create jobs for graduates and those with technical, vocational and practical skills, including those without formal academic qualifications.
As Deputy Governor, how do you ensure county programmes continue effectively when the Governor is unavailable while balancing constitutional responsibilities?
I am supporting the coordination of county departments, monitoring ongoing projects, addressing implementation challenges and ensuring that essential services continue reaching our residents without unnecessary interruptions.
As the county leadership works towards fulfilling its promises, which major commitments remain unfulfilled, what is preventing their implementation and what should Murang’a residents expect?
When we took office, we committed to equitable development, accessible healthcare, education and youth opportunities. We have made progress, though more remains to be done.
Development across all wards remains a priority. Through Kang’ata Care, we have supported over 40,000 households.
On education, we provide free porridge to 42,000 ECDE learners and are advancing subsidised meals for primary and Junior Secondary School learners.
Our biggest challenge is limited resources. Growing public needs require substantial investment, infrastructure and partnerships.
However, we are not slowing down. We are pursuing partnerships, improving our own-source revenue collection and attracting private investment.
For young people who would like to try their hand at politics, what can you tell them?
My message is simple: show up, participate and take your place at the table. Leadership is not reserved for a particular age group.
One last thing you would tell your campus self?
Keep going. Every experience counts, including difficult days, missed opportunities, small businesses and leadership battles.
I am grateful I showed up, took chances and dared to occupy spaces I once imagined.
Seize opportunities, tell your story, build your capacity and help shape the society you want to live in.