Former chairperson of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission Sarah Serem has formally joined UDA and will run for governor of Uasin Gishu.
Serem attended her first UDA meeting for aspirants in Eldoret where she said she wants to succeed Mandago who is completing his second term.
“I will be in the race and I urge you to support me so we give a fresh start to our county and take it to the next level in development," Serem said at the meeting.
She has wide experience in public service, having served at the SRC and later as ambassador to China.
“I have the necessary experience and will to work with the people of Uasin Gishu whom I request to support my bid," Serem said.
She joins two other women leaders, former Eldoret South MP Peris Simam and Nairobi devolution executive Vesca Kangogo, who are also aiming to succeed Mandago.
They will face off with politician Jonathan Bii, MCA David Sing’oei, Soy MP Caleb Kositany and Kenya’s envoy to Pakistan Professor Julius Bitok.
All of them are seeking the UDA ticket.
Women increasingly are eyeing elective positions in North Rift, especially those interested in becoming governor and senator.
So far, eight women have expressed interest in the governor's office in different counties.
“As women we have come of age in politics and we have a better chance to win even more seats because we have shown our capacity to be good leaders," Simam said.
When she was elected MP, she defeated 10 male candidates.
Simam said there are indications many more women will be elected governor and senator. “This time, many of us are going for it and nothing is impossible," she said.
In Elgeyo Marakwet, Dr Loice Jemencho, a university don, and scholar Elizabeth Keitany are preparing to do battle to succeed Governor Alex Tolgos.
CAS Linah Kilimo is yet to confirm if she will join the race
“Women have proved to be good managers and we urge many more to come out and vie for seats," Jemencho said.
In Trans Nzoia, Woman Representative Janet Nangabo is yet to confirm reports aims to succeed Governor Patrick Khaemba, who will complete his second term.
Many other women are eyeing the elective seats. Some still hope for the woman representative position, which is reserved for them.
Terry Maina, who is eyeing the Ainabkoi constituency seat, says the barriers that prevented many women from competing have been relaxed in most communities.
“There are still a few challenges like finances but they cannot make us fear going out to seek elective leadership," she said.
Kenyans are increasingly going for good leadership and women have also shown that they can be good leaders," Maina said.
In Turbo constituency, MP Janet Kosgey who was elected as an independent, will be defending her seat.
Senator Margaret Kamar is yet to confirm if she will defend her seat in Uasin Gishu where Mandago will be running for the same Senate position after concluding two terms as governor.
(Edited by V. Graham)
