Stella Soi lists her 29 years in public service as key qualification for Gender docket

Gender Cabinet Secretary nominee Stella Soi Lang'at stressed on Sunday that her 29 years of experience in public service is enough evidence to show her qualification for the position.

Speaking before the National Assembly Committee on Appointment, the nominee explained that she has built a career in public administration, working in several ministries.

Soi highlighted her extensive experience in public service, particularly in the central government.

The nominee has served in various ministries, including the State Department of Public Service and the Labour Department, and was part of the team that established the State Department of Gender in 2004.

She has also undergone various capacity-building trainings in mediation, conflict management, and peacebuilding.

Her service extends to different regions, including Nyanza, the Eastern , and the South Rift Valley. Additionally, she has contributed to institutional building at the Office of the Attorney General, being part of the team that set up a witness protection agency, a unique initiative in Eastern Central Africa.

Stella Soi Lang’at, Gender CS nominee, appears before appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Appointments on Sunday, August 4, 2024. (Photo: Parliament)

"I want to believe that gave me an opportunity to interact with issues of gender-based violence and the need to protect witnesses for purposes of ensuring that there is success in prosecution and strengthening the administrative justice system," Soi told the vetting panel.

Soi was instrumental in setting up county governments and became the first interim county secretary for the Narok County Government.

Additionally, while serving in the county government of Bomet, she worked on initiatives to protect girls from harmful cultural practices.

"Those experiences have assisted me in building resilience while also interacting with the environment where GBV is rampant and where interventions are required to strengthen the fight against GBV," the nominee added.

Soi also pointed out that her experience in field administration has assisted her in building resilience, courage, and sacrifice, which are the pertinence requirements for leadership in the Ministry of Gender.

If approved, Soi will succeed Aisha Jumwa, who served on the docket before President William Ruto dismissed the cabinet last month.