Crystal Asige, Karen Nyamu Ranked Among Most Influential Women Senators

Nominated Senators Crystal Asige, Karen Nyamu and Tabitha Mutinda have been ranked among the top-performing women nominated senators for the year ending 2024.

This is according to the latest report by Global Ranking Analysis, an independent research organization that authoritatively conducts in-depth evaluations of nominated senators and several leaders, specifically based on their legislative activities, societal impact, media engagements, and community engagement forums.

The study assessed the participation of the legislators in Senate chambers, Senate Committee meetings, and oversight role mandates where the Senate does regular visits to devolved functions to determine the progress and the sponsorship of bills and statements sought, alongside the senators’ media presence and community activity involvement.

Senator Asige, who was ranked the third most influential nominated legislator at 80.4 per cent, was recognized and published among the media that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) legislator has been one of the most consistent and impactful legislators, topping performance rankings for two consecutive years for different ranking polls.

“Asige in Global Ranking Research depicts that she has over five bills to her name, leading in legislative forums among other nominated and elected senators,” the report reads in part.

“The brain behind the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Bill, 2023, aims to introduce tax relief for parents and caregivers of children with disabilities with a clear demonstration of her inclusivity and welfare factor.”

United Democratic Alliance (UDA) nominated Senator Miraj Abdillahi Abdulrahman was ranked the most influential nominated legislator at 86.4 per cent. According to records and in-depth research, was hailed for being influential in sponsoring:

1. The Care and Protection of Child Parents Bill: The Bill, sponsored by Senator Miraj Abdillahi, seeks to establish a framework through which expectant girls and child parents can exercise their right to education while ensuring the care and protection of their children.
2. Advocating for Reopening Moi International Airport to International Flights: She has also sought a statement on the open sky of the Moi International Airport for international flights that were stopped during COVID-19.
3. Empowering the Community: organized sports tournaments and others ongoing, where she has also sponsored community development activities in the coastal regions where she represents.
4. Academic Accessibility Support: Sen. Miraj has raised statements before the house seeking clarification on simplifying the replacement process for lost academic certificates, particularly to address the associated financial burdens, which is a case for families with no help or source of income.

“Miraj raised deep concerns to especially help and aim to establish platforms in all 47 counties so that it’s easier to recognize youths and women involved in community service to ensure systematic and fair acknowledgement to create engagements within the locals,” added the report.

Following Senator Miraj was Senator Hamida Kibwana in second at 82.5 per cent. The report revealed that she was very instrumental in driving tangible reforms aiming at enhancing public service delivery, including the championing of the E-Health Bill aimed at modernizing health systems in the country.

“Sponsorship of a critical Bill of the Public Finance Management Amendment Act that is set to ensure sufficient allocations and utilization of public funds. She is an active member of Senate committees where she is a member,” adds the report.

Both in the Senate chambers and committee meetings, Senator Hamida has been an active member known for her active participation in committees, contributing significantly to policy and legislative discourse.

Other nominated women senators ranked by Global Ranking Analysis include Tabitha Mutinda (79.3%), Catherine Mumma (74.5%), Joyce Chepkoech (70.7%), Beth Kalunda (67.4%), Beatrice Akinyi (65%), Esther Okenyuri (48.5%) and Karen Nyamu (47%) completing the top 10.

Global Analysis based their ranking on three criteria:

1. On Legislative Performance and Engagements: Sponsorship of impactful bills and motions.
2. Media Engagements and Public appearances: presence on online platforms, regional and mainstream media, and personal media channels including Facebook, X Platforms, and public engagements.
3. Community Involvement and Engagements: How the leaders or regular have been engaging with nomination grounds, organization of community activities, and overall societal contributions such as community engagements and activities been offering in the idea of transforming the community.

“On the top list, these senators demonstrate the clear roles of nominated legislators intending to shape policies and community engagement forums with the sole goal of fostering societal progress,” added the report.

“Their contributions underscore the importance of legislative leadership in addressing pressing issues and driving sustainable development in the community, which stands out as part of the constitution’s rights and mandate.”

Inside the Kenyan Senate Chambers. /SENATE KENYA