MANDERA– Amran Wardere, a seasoned leader and former United Democratic Alliance (UDA) parliamentary aspirant, has officially joined the contest for Mandera County Women Representative in the 2027 general elections. Born and bred in Mandera, Wardere brings a rich blend of academic excellence, grassroots leadership, and professional expertise to the race, positioning herself as a formidable candidate focused on women’s empowerment and inclusive development.
Wardere holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Egerton University, where she made history as the first female president of the Student Union (SUEU) from 2017 to 2018, after serving as Director of Finance the previous year. Her professional journey spans over a decade in leadership, hospitality, and humanitarian sectors. She has worked as Procurement and Logistics Officer for Wamo Relief and Rehabilitation Services (WRRS), Finance Manager for KAH Investment Company Limited, Secretary for Wabco Trading Company Limited, and Lead Generator for Barclays Bank in Karatina. She also served as a Board Member of the Peace Hub in Nairobi.
In 2022, Wardere contested the Lafey Constituency Member of National Assembly seat under UDA, gaining valuable experience in competitive politics. “I’m not a new person in elective politics. I wrestled with men in 2022 politics; it will be a walk in the park for me in this race of securing the Mandera Women Representative position come 2027, in sha Allah,” she declared confidently.
Her manifesto centers on practical, impact-driven pillars tailored to Mandera’s needs. On economic empowerment, she pledges support for women groups, SACCOs, and small businesses through skills training in agribusiness, ICT, and entrepreneurship, alongside access to startup funds, financial literacy programs, and markets. Special attention will go to single mothers, widows, and youth unemployment.
In education and health, Wardere aims to roll out sanitary towel distribution to curb school absenteeism, provide bursaries, and promote maternal and reproductive health awareness. Her GBV prevention plan includes establishing safe shelters with legal, psychosocial, and emergency support, plus collaboration with police through “Policare” desks to enforce protective laws.
She also commits to inclusion for persons with disabilities (PWDs) via dedicated entrepreneurship funds, accessible infrastructure, and broader equity initiatives. Governance-wise, Wardere promises regular public forums, transparent management of the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), cross-party collaboration, and consistent presence beyond election cycles.
Residents have welcomed her entry. Amina Hassan, a 42-year-old trader and mother of five in Mandera Town, said: “Amran understands our struggles as women here—early marriages, lack of capital, and GBV. If she delivers on sanitary pads for our girls and business support for us, she will change many lives. We need a leader who is one of us.”
Youth representative Adan Mohamed , a 28-year-old university graduate from Banisa, added: “Unemployment is killing our dreams in Mandera. Her focus on ICT training, agribusiness, and startup funds gives us hope. As young people, we want action, not promises. Amran’s track record shows she can mentor and deliver.”
Political observers view Wardere’s candidature as a boost to women’s representation in the region, where leadership has traditionally been male-dominated. Her combination of local roots, proven leadership, and detailed vision could reshape the contest ahead of 2027.
