A growing number of young people in Uasin Gishu are exploring political leadership ahead of the 2027 elections, but for philanthropist and businesswoman Fardosa Salat, community service remains the anchor of her journey.
For years, the 30-year-old, popularly known as Mama Chela, has been running the Mama Chela Foundation, through which she has supported girls, women, orphans, the less fortunate and persons living with disabilities.
Her work has focused on offering dignity, opportunity and a voice to groups often overlooked in the community.
“Having lived and worked within the Uasin Gishu community for a long time, I have seen many gaps and the lack of a clear plan to uplift the lives of these special groups in our society,” she says.
Fardosa notes that many girls struggle to access education because they lack basic necessities and are often ignored by society.
She also regrets the discrimination faced by people living with disabilities, especially children who are denied education and essential services.
Through her foundation, she has spent years empowering small businesses, supporting women’s groups, helping vulnerable families, and promoting unity across different communities.
She says her leadership is grounded in compassion, courage, and a belief that every household deserves dignity and opportunity.
But as philanthropic work increasingly draws her deeper into the community, Fardosa says she has come to realise that sustainable impact also requires political power.
This is why she has joined the growing number of young people rearing to enter politics in Uasin Gishu, where heightened scheming is underway ahead of the 2027 polls.
Fardosa is eyeing the Uasin Gishu Woman Representative seat and has already begun mobilising residents to back her vision.
“It’s through offices like that of Woman Representative that it’s possible to use political strength to mobilise resources to help such girls so that they access education,” she says.
She acknowledges that her Muslim faith and minority background have sparked doubts among some people, but she insists her commitment to serve is stronger than any barrier.
“Some people have advised me to go and vie back in my home of origin in North Eastern, but all my life I have lived in Uasin Gishu, and this is my home,” she says.
Fardosa adds that leadership has too often turned into self-interest, with elected officials neglecting the people they are meant to serve.
“Someone is elected to serve his or her people, but suddenly one thinks it’s an opportunity to enrich themselves,” she says.
Her community work has exposed her to the everyday struggles of families in rural areas who live desperate lives without the basics needed for a decent life.
“I have been working within communities in Uasin Gishu where I encounter people, including children, who don’t even have something to eat. Without basic needs, education becomes secondary,” she says.
As a young Gen Z candidate, she believes she naturally understands the energy, frustrations, and aspirations of the youth. She believes in “youth for youth”, creating space for young people to lead, innovate and build.
To her, the youth are not just voters; they are partners, creators, and the future of the county.
As she eyes the political seat, Mama Chela says her agenda is fresh, authentic and youth-driven, anchored in real community experience.
Despite the challenges women face in politics, she says she has the courage to keep going and trusts that the people of Uasin Gishu will give her the opportunity to serve.
