Beatrice Askul Moe set to make history as Kenya's first female CS from Turkana if approved

Beatrice Askul Moe is poised to become the first woman from Turkana to serve as Cabinet Secretary, pending Parliament's approval. The National Assembly Committee on Appointments vetted Moe's nomination for the position of Cabinet Secretary for East Africa Community (EAC) Affairs and Regional Development on Friday.

During her vetting, Moe stated that her net worth is Sh 100 million, primarily comprising of the family wealth.

"Even if you were to revisit when they were gotten, this has nothing to do with county government. So this is family worth," she emphasised. Moe further explained, "There’s nothing about me if you read that worth properly; it is not mine. There’s nothing under my name, but because our culture allows us to live in the manner we live in terms of communal life and family life, that worthiness is not cash. It is the property we have."

Moe's nomination is a significant step for women in Turkana, a region traditionally characterised by patriarchal norms. Her extensive experience, including her tenure as a County Executive Committee Member (CECM) in Turkana under former Governor Josphat Nanok, positions her as a formidable candidate for the role.

Moe pledged to implement policies that will benefit communities in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), committing to addressing the challenges faced by these regions. "If appointed, I would involve individuals from arid lands in negotiating their issues with the Ministry, aiming to influence policies that benefit them," she declared.

Moe also emphasised the importance of her presence during the procurement of relief food to ensure transparency and accountability, saying, "Arid lands, which have been marginalised for years, reflect badly on us. Specifically based on stereotypes and information in the media. I would make sure to be present during the procurement of relief food to prevent the usual malpractices."

Moe addressed a gap in her resume by candidly explaining that she took four years, instead of three, to complete a course at Kubujoi Social Training Institute, which the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) examined.

"I took a certificate course at the Kubujoi Social Training Institute that was examined by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC). Because I didn’t have a diploma, I had to go for a degree for four years, which was meant to take care of the diploma that was not there," she defended herself.

On the contentious issue of Migingo Island, Moe proposed a dialogue involving all stakeholders to resolve concerns amicably. "I would get non-partisan parties to participate to get an amicable resolution," she added.

In response to a query from Mishi Mboko regarding youth involvement in regional development, Moe emphasised the need for an affirmative action plan.

"I think where we are headed now is to have an independent and deliberate policy that will incorporate the young population of this country into every other ministry," she said.