Beatrice Atieno, the founder of Maisha Project is the latest entrant into Kisumu County Woman Representative race.
Ms Atieno, a resident of Kolwa East has for the last 15 years been engaged in charity work targeting education, health and economic empowerment in Kisumu East.
Speaking to Lake Region Bulletin, Ms Atieno said she will be seeking the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party ticket, which she will use to vie for the position on August 9.
According to Ms Atieno, her transition into politics has been motivated by the need to expand her community work to other areas which she has not been able to reach.
“I drilled the first community borehole when I was in college, and seeing the impact of this motivated me to venture into charity,” she said.
Today, she is supporting 1, 146 children in various levels of schooling, through paying their school fees and providing basic needs.
“Some of these children have graduated from our programs, and are transforming their communities. Some are teachers, medics, chefs, accountants among others,” she added.
According to Ms Atieno, her Maisha Project is now self-sustainable, and she is ready to go and serve the public through the office of the Woman Representative.
The current office holder, Rosa Buyu is switching to vie for Kisumu West Parliamentary position, leaving the Woman Representative position to new entrants.
Born in Nyalenda, Ms Atieno grew up and schooled in Kisumu before moving to the United States.
The author of ‘It is possible’ said she will use her networks within and outside the country to promote development and empowerment in the county.
“Development must start with the mind, and then we can transform the other aspects of development. I truly believe the greatest person in this earth is not the billionaires, but those who can fight the obstacles they face in life and overcome the temptations against them,” she said.
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