Sonnia Nzilani Musyoka, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture, and Tourism in Makueni County, has passed away.
Her colleague, Dr. Paul Musila, has confirmed her passing, with reports indicating that she died at her home.
Additionally, the Office of the Governor of Makueni County has also confirmed the passing of Nzilani.
The county stated that Sonnia was found unresponsive at her home on November 22.
“Until her untimely demise, Dr. Nzilani served with dedication and distinction as the County Executive Committee Member for Trade, Marketing Industry, Culture & Tourism in my administration. Her commitment to public service and her passion for the growth of our county will be deeply missed,” read the statement.
“She was an accomplished environmentalist and a passionate advocate for tree growing, earning from the public the affectionate nickname “Syomiti” for her unwavering commitment to environmental conservation.”
The county government stated that it will keep the public informed of any updates and urged citizens to respect the family’s privacy during this time of mourning.
Nzilani became widely known after facing backlash for her controversial comments linking a girl’s death to her menstrual cycle.
Career Background of Sonnia Nzilani Musyoka
Sonnia Nzilani Musyoka has had a distinguished career in public service and community development.
She served as the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture, and Tourism in Makueni County, a position she has held since February 2024.
Prior to this, she was the county minister for Lands, Urban Planning and Development, Environment, and Climate Change from November 2022 to February 2024.
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She also chaired the Inter-County Planning Committee for the Konza Buffer Zone under the Konza Technopolis Development Authority and leads the Makueni County Environmental Committee, roles she has held since February 2023.
Musyoka was the founder and chairperson of the Kibwezi Center for Sustainability, an NGO established in 2018.
In addition, she has served as a Capacity Building Consultant at Qpoint BV since January 2016, providing expertise on organizational development and capacity-building initiatives.
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Education Background
Sonnia Nzilani Musyoka was pursuing a PhD in Aquaculture at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), a program she began in 2017.
She held a Diploma in Education with a focus on Project Management from Asean Online Education, which she completed in 2021.
In 2016, she undertook predoctoral training at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and a course in Responsible Aquaculture at Wageningen University & Research.
She also completed a postgraduate course in Marine Conservation at Duke University Nicholas School of the Environment in 2015 and studied water sector participation and research practices at Western Cape University the same year.
Sonnia earned two master’s degrees from Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna, one in Environmental Assessment and Management and another in Water and Coastal Management, both completed between 2012 and 2013.
She also trained in Aquaculture Production and Management at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and attended a short course in Aquatic Processes and Applications at IHE Delft Institute for Water Education in 2012.
Musyoka held a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries from Moi University (2001–2005) and completed an online short course on Ecosystem Services and Applications at Stanford University in 2014, earning a grade of 90%.
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