Miano poised to make history as Kenya's first female Attorney General if she gets MPs nod

Former Trade CS Rebecca Miano is poised to make history by becoming the first woman to hold the position of Attorney General if Parliament approves her nomination after vetting.

The Attorney General position in Kenya has been held by men since independence but President William Ruto's nomination seems to be a deviation from the norm.

Miano was nominated on Friday after President Ruto dismissed the former Attorney General early this month. If approved by Parliament, Miano will become Kenya's ninth Attorney General.

Attorneys General of Kenya since 1963 include; Charles Njonjo (1963–1979), James B. Karugu (1980–1981), Joseph Kamere (1981–1983), Matthew Guy Muli (1983–1991), Amos Wako (1991–2011), Githu Muigai (2011–2018), Paul Kihara Kariuki (2018–2022) and Justin Muturi (2022–2024).

Her career life

Miano is currently a High Court advocate and a registered certified public secretary in Kenya. Her career includes notable service in various governmental capacities.

Prior to her nomination, Miano held the position of Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade, and Industry from October 2023 until her dismissal on July 11, 2024. Before assuming this role, she served as the Cabinet Secretary for the East African Community, ASALs (Arid and Semi-Arid Lands), and Regional Development.

Miano is one of six Cabinet Secretaries who have been reinstated in different dockets. Others include; Kindiki Kithure (Interior), Aden Duale (Defence), Alice Wahome (Lands) and Soipan Tuya (Environment)

Miano earned a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Nairobi and attended the Advocates Training Programme at the Kenya School of Law. She also holds a Master of Laws in Comparative Law, awarded by the Australian National University.