Samburu West Member of Parliament, Naisula Lesuuda, took the spotlight for her remarkable achievement as the top-performing female MP in Kenya.
She earned a 63 percent rating according to a recent survey conducted by Infotrak. Her rating set her apart in a field of dedicated public servants.
A delighted Lesuuda shared her thoughts on the rating expressing her appreciation.
“Thanks a lot, my Samburu West people for believing in my leadership. Special thanks to my team that continues to work behind the scenes to make everything possible,” she stated.
Yet, behind the numbers lies a captivating journey, one that started in the world of journalism.
Naisula Lesuuda, born on April 30, 1984, in Samburu, is the first of three children, born to Anglican Bishop Jacob Lesuuda.
Her journey into politics began in 2013 when she joined former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s presidential campaign team.
Furthermore, Lesuuda was nominated on a TNA party ticket to represent Samburu County in the Senate in 2013, becoming its youngest female member.
Prior to the 2017 general elections, she announced that she would leave the Senate to seek election as a member of the National Assembly.
Lesuuda’s Journey as an MP
Notably, in August 2017 the politician became the first woman to be elected as an MP from her county, representing the people of Samburu West constituency in the National Assembly.
In addition, she was re-elected in the 2022 general elections, retaining her seat. She is also a member of the Budget and Appropriations Committee of the National Assembly.
However, the Communication and Community Development graduate’s journey to political leadership was not a conventional one.
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Lesuuda a Renowned Journalist
Before venturing into politics, Naisula graced television screens as a news anchor, reporter, and host of “Good Morning Kenya” at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC).
Her background in journalism equipped her with exceptional communication skills, which have been instrumental in her political career.
During her tenure in the Senate, she also held the role of Vice Chair of the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA).
Furthermore, her experience in the Senate and as a member of KEWOPA allowed her to champion women’s issues and advocate for gender equality effectively.
Beyond her journalism and political career, Naisula is a passionate advocate for peace and education.
Mp Lesuuda’s Philanthropic Acts
The lawmaker played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Peace Caravan, an initiative focused on promoting peace throughout Kenya.
This initiative involved collecting and broadcasting peace-related news, lobbying for peaceful resolutions, and visiting conflicted pastoralist communities.
Her dedication to peace led to her becoming the youngest recipient of the prestigious Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya (OGW) in 2011.
Similarly, Lesuuda received the International Labor Organization’s (ILO) Wedge Award for Outstanding Professional Women the same year.
Her influence extended globally in 2017 when she was recognized by the World Economic Forum as one of the one hundred young leaders under the age of forty, known for tackling complex global challenges with innovative approaches.
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In 2014, Forbes Magazine acknowledged her as one of the 20 Youngest Power Women in Africa.
Furthermore, her commitment to peace and education in her community earned her the World Politician of the Year Award in 2018, highlighting her dedication to her constituency and the nation.
Infotrak Survey
In the Infotrak survey, Naisula Lesuuda’s ranking as the top-performing female MP in Kenya underscores her unwavering commitment and dedication to public service and her community.
The County Trak survey, conducted between July and September 2023, covered all 47 counties, 290 constituencies, and 1,450 wards, with an overall sample of 58,748 participants.
