By Daniel Otieno, Vihiga
Jannet Ominde, an accomplished economist and seasoned business leader, has stirred the political waters of Vihiga County after announcing her bid for the 2027 gubernatorial race.
Her declaration has sent shockwaves through the political establishment, particularly giving Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi and Emuhaya MP Omboko Milemba sleepless nights.
The two leaders, who had initially planned to rely on their stronghold in Bunyoreland and the expected swing votes from the Tiriki community, are now scrambling to re-strategize as Ominde’s entry has completely altered the political landscape.
What had been expected to be a two-horse race between Osotsi and Milemba has now become a far more complicated affair. Ominde, a Tiriki herself, has not only secured widespread support from women across the county but also positioned herself as a formidable contender who refuses to be overlooked.
Her candidacy has thrown a wrench into the calculations of the two veteran politicians, forcing them to reconsider their tactics as they face a rival who represents both a fresh wave of leadership and a deep connection to the community.
As Ominde’s influence grows, Osotsi and Milemba now find themselves in a race they didn’t anticipate, one that will test their political clout and strategic acumen like never before.
But who is Jannet Afandi Ominde?
She was born at Jamange village, Banja Ward in Hamisi Sub-County. Ms Ominde is the second-born in a family of nine children.
Education
From humble beginnings at Givogi Primary School to Kaimosi Girls High School, for her secondary education, and finally joined Mukumu Girls High school for her ‘A ‘Levels. Ominde’s academic journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.
She furthered her education at Egerton University, where she studied Economics and Sociology, before advancing her studies with a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) focusing on Strategic Management at the University of Nairobi.
Her pursuit of excellence did not stop at the university level. Ominde expanded her knowledge through international institutions like Strathmore Business School in Nairobi, IESE Business School in Spain, Gordon Business School in South Africa, and Stanford Business School in the UK, positioning herself as a globally competitive leader.
Work Experience
“I have over 28 years of work experience in the Telecommunication sector cutting across Sales, Marketing, Public Relations and Customer Experience,” said Ominde in an exclusive interview with the County Splash, “adding, “We largely call this area of experience Commercial arm of business,”
With 28 years of hands-on experience, Ominde’s journey in the corporate world began at Safaricom, where she rose swiftly from a junior manager to Director, overseeing a workforce of over 3,000 employees and managing an annual budget of Sh5.6 billion.
“I am bringing a wealth of experience in operational management, a knack for visionary thinking, and an unparalleled understanding of governance,” ~ Ominde
According to Ms Ominde, she honed her leadership skills under the guidance of industry giants like Michael Joseph, the late Bob Collymore, and Sylvia Mulinge, experiences that have equipped her to lead Vihiga County as the next governor after the 2027 polls.
“My last 21 years were spent at Safaricom PLC where I joined right at the launch of Safaricom as a junior manager and built a sterling career in Commercial Division and rose to the position of director role managing over 3,000 staff and running an annual operational budget of 5.6 billion, I was in the role of director for over 8 years,” said Ominde
Why Gubernatorial Seat
Her leadership philosophy is clear: structure and delivery based on strategic planning and intentional leadership.
As she eyes the Vihiga gubernatorial seat, Ominde says “I am bringing a wealth of experience in operational management, a knack for visionary thinking, and an unparalleled understanding of governance,”, saying, “ I intend to rewrite the narrative of Vihiga when I will succeed Governor Wilber Ottichilo when he retires in 2027,”
According to the governorship candidate, her leadership promises a departure from superficial fixes and instead focus on addressing the root cause of the challenges facing the devolved unit.
Ominde is particularly passionate about empowering women and creating a more inclusive environment for marginalized groups. “Diversity and Inclusion is my second name,” she says. “I practiced this in my previous employment and was awarded for it. Women, get ready—I am that woman who loves to see a fellow woman grow to greater heights…the sky is the limit.”
Gender mainstreaming and the inclusion of persons living with disabilities are central to her vision for a balanced, humane county. Her mantra is simple: “Let us not leave anyone behind!”
She draws her inspiration from renowned women trailblazers like Priscillar Ambwao from Vihiga, Ms Norega and others.
“These are women of valour way back in the years who were leaders. Priscillar was the only woman in Legico in the 60s. I think this cultural thing is an imagination of few chauvinistic individuals who want to paint a picture of male domination in western Kenya,” said Ominde
She went on: “I think Vihiga is one of the counties where civilization took root way early and early missionaries set tent in Nyangori and Kaimosi thus propelling the population to think beyond backward cultures,”
Food Security
In agriculture, which remains the backbone of Kenya’s economy, Ominde is keen on revitalizing the sector.
“I will explore Vihiga’s untapped potential in the mining sector, especially in granite and other precious stones, to spur industrial growth and create employment opportunities for the youth,”~ Ominde
While Vihiga County’s small land size poses challenges, she plans to employ modern technologies to maximize production, addressing food insecurity and malnutrition.
She advocates for diversifying crops, urging farmers to grow tubers, beans, carrots, and kale alongside the usual maize, which will foster resilience and boost local economies. Furthermore, she recognizes Vihiga’s potential for aquaculture and horticulture, promising sustainable food programs and innovations to elevate the county’s agricultural output.
“I will explore Vihiga’s untapped potential in the mining sector, especially in granite and other precious stones, to spur industrial growth and create employment opportunities for the youth,” said Ominde. “I will work around the clock in the revitalization of the sports and performing arts sectors, with plans to build stadia, academies, and cultural centers to nurture talent and provide economic avenues for the youth,”
Her love for Vihiga’s culture and nature also shines through. Ominde seeks to place the region on the map as a tourist destination by developing and preserving cultural sites such as the Mugoma and Wagevera caves.
Ominde aims to generate local revenue and provide employment opportunities while preserving the rich history of the area. Her plans also include transforming the Mbale town cultural grounds into a cultural complex, complete with auditoriums, a museum, and conference facilities to attract both local and international visitors.
On education, Ominde promises to address the systemic challenges that have hindered learning in Vihiga. She advocates for improved learning environments, fee accessibility, and the expansion of technical education programs. Her proposed review of bursary programs aims to reduce the bureaucratic hurdles and ensure that the less fortunate receive adequate support for their studies.
Health Sector
‘Health, will be my major area of focus. I will be committed to improving the county’s health sector by ensuring that existing facilities are fully functional and adequately stocked with essential medicines.” said Ominde
She envisions forging partnerships with both local and international private sectors to bolster healthcare services, thereby reducing the need for residents to travel to neighboring counties for medical care. “We must make healthcare accessible and functional within a reasonable radius,” Ominde says. “The buildings are there, but the services are subpar. We can change that!”
**************To be continued*************
