A section of Kilifi residents has expressed their support for the appointment of former Gender and Affirmative Action Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa as the new Chairperson of the Kenya Roads Board.
The residents thanked President William Ruto for honouring the county by appointing Jumwa to the non-executive position and expressed hope that she would use her new role to champion road infrastructural development in the region.
Supporters of the former CS believe that Jumwa is well-suited for the task and called on Kenyans of goodwill to give her a chance to serve the nation and the Kenya Kwanza administration, which she played a significant role in establishing.
“Aisha Jumwa is one of us, and we are proud of her appointment,” said Kensa Ondieki. “We trust that she will treat people equally and help in the rehabilitation of damaged roads, such as the Malindi-Kakuyuni one.”
Mr. Lucky Murema, another resident, highlighted the high hopes that the youth have for Jumwa’s bold and outspoken leadership style. He expressed optimism that Jumwa would initiate projects in the area that would benefit the youth.
“We support Aisha Jumwa, and if there is any project she can use her new position to launch and empower the youth through, we shall be very grateful,” he said.
Jumwa was dropped from her ministerial portfolio in June last year following protests against punitive taxation in the 2024/2025 Finance Bill by the youth, commonly known as Generation Z.
President Ruto rejected the bill and sacked all cabinet secretaries. He later reappointed some, while Jumwa was among those who were left out.
Jumwa contested the Kilifi gubernatorial seat in the 2022 General Election and emerged second behind Gideon Mung’aro and has been strategising on how to dethrone the incumbent in the 2027 gubernatorial election.
By Baraka Mweni and Emmanuel Masha