Catherine Mumma Profile: Educational Background, Career, and Net Worth

CATHERINE MUMMA MUYEKA

Catherine Mumma Muyeka is a Kenyan politician and a Nominated Senator in the 13th Parliament under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.

Early life and educational background

Catherine Muyeka Mumma was born and raised in Kenya, where she began her early education in local schools, completing both her primary and secondary education by 1986.

In 1987, she enrolled at the University of Nairobi, undertaking a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree.

During her four years at the institution, she built a strong foundation in legal principles, constitutional law, and governance, graduating in 1990.

Immediately after her undergraduate studies, she joined the Kenya School of Law in 1990 to pursue a Postgraduate Diploma in Law, a program essential for professional legal practice in Kenya, which she successfully completed in 1991.

Determined to gain international exposure and deepen her expertise, Catherine traveled to the United Kingdom in 1992, enrolling at Queen Mary & Westfield College, University of London.

She spent three years specializing in constitutional and human rights law, graduating in 1995 with a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree.

Career

Professional career

After completing her studies at the Kenya School of Law in 1991 and being admitted to the bar, she began her legal practice as a State Counsel in the Office of the Attorney General (State Law Office) in 1995, where she worked until 2003.

During this eight-year tenure, she gained significant experience in legislative drafting, legal advisory services to government ministries, and public law practice.

In 2003, Catherine transitioned into human rights work when she was appointed a Commissioner at the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), the country’s premier state institution for protecting and promoting human rights.

She served in this role until 2006, leading investigations into human rights violations, advising on policy reforms, and strengthening legal frameworks for human rights protection in Kenya.

Her expertise in governance and constitutional law led to her appointment as a Commissioner on the Independent Review Commission (Kriegler Commission) in 2008, which was tasked with investigating and making recommendations on electoral reforms following the disputed 2007 General Election.

From 2011 to 2015, Catherine served as a Commissioner at the Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution (CIC), a body established to oversee the rollout of Kenya’s 2010 Constitution.

Beyond these official roles, Catherine has been deeply involved in civil society and legal reform initiatives, providing consultancy services on governance, devolution, and constitutional implementation.

She has also been active in mentoring young lawyers and advocating for the inclusion of women in leadership and decision-making processes.

Political career

Catherine Mumma Muyeka officially entered active politics ahead of the 2022 General Election through the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), a key party within the Azimio la Umoja coalition led by Raila Odinga.

Also Read: Koti moja Jonathan Bii Profile: Educational Background, Career, Family and Networth

Recognized for her decades of work in constitutional reform, governance, and human rights, she was nominated by ODM to represent women and marginalized groups in the Senate.

On August 16, 2022, Catherine was sworn in as a Nominated Senator in the 13th Parliament of Kenya, marking her first term in elective politics.

In the Senate, Catherine was elected Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations, where she plays a pivotal role in overseeing how devolved units interact with the national government and in strengthening the structures of devolution.

Catherine also serves as a member of the Senate Education Committee, the Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries Committee, and the Procedure and Rules Committee.

Additionally, she was appointed to the Speaker’s Panel, where she occasionally presides over Senate proceedings in the absence of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

In 2024, she sponsored the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, which seeks to enhance the regulation of tobacco products to promote public health.

Through her legislative work, she has been a strong voice on matters of public finance accountability, devolution, electoral justice, and social welfare.

Net Worth

Details about her net worth are not publicly available.

Also Read: Gladys Wanga Profile: Educational Background, Career, Family and Net Worth

However, as a Kenyan Senator, she earns a gross monthly salary of approximately Ksh 739,600, which includes:

• Basic salary: Ksh443,760
• House allowance: Ksh150,000
• Salary market adjustment: Ksh145,840

Senator Catherine Mumma  is also entitled to various benefits and allowances, including:

• Official car (or car maintenance allowance of Ksh356,525 per month)
• Medical cover for the senator, spouse, and up to five dependent children
• Airtime allowance: up to Ksh20,000 per month
• Official residence, security, and travel allowances in accordance with SRC-approved rates
• Retirement benefits, including gratuity equivalent to 31% of annual pensionable earnings or contributions to a recognized pension scheme
• Group life insurance valued at three times annual pensionable earnings

Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.