Kitui South Constituency, one of the 8 constituencies in Kitui County, stands out as a cradle of strong, visionary women in leadership. Among its most remarkable daughters are Hon. Gladys Mami Kivoto and Hon. Peninah Malonza, EGH, two trailblazing leaders who have made outstanding contributions to Kitui County and Kenya at large.

CO Gladys Kivoto, born in Kavisuni, and married to Michael Kivoto, a respected politician and proud son of Kanziku, Mwanianga area in Kitui South. Her journey in public service is a testament to dedication, professionalism, and excellence.

Hon. Gladys Kivoto once served as a Regional Accountant at the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), where she demonstrated exceptional management and leadership skills. Her competence earned her an appointment by Governor Dr. Julius Malombe during his first term in 2013 as Kitui County’s first Chief Officer for Trade, Industry, IT, and Cooperatives, a position she held until 2018.

After Governor Malombe’s first term, Gladys turned her focus to agriculture, a sector she is deeply passionate about. On her 10-acre farm, she has successfully cultivated maize, beans, tomatoes, butternuts and even vegetables such as sukumawiki, cabbages and onions in addition to fruits like pawpaw, and mango trees, in addition to rearing hundreds of chickens, showcasing her commitment to agribusiness and food security.

In 2022, when Governor Malombe returned to office, he once again appointed Gladys Kivoto as a Chief Officer, this time in her area of expertise, Agriculture and Fisheries. This reappointment not only reflected the governor’s trust in her capabilities but also underscored her outstanding performance and deep understanding of county development.

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CO Gladys Kivoto’s serving in two different ministries showcases her exceptional leadership, integrity, and proven track record which makes her one of the most respected women leaders in Kitui South and county at large. Hon. Kivoto has emerged as the best and strongest contender for the Kitui South parliamentary seat in 2027, a role she would undoubtedly perform with distinction.

Kitui South is equally proud of Hon. Peninah Malonza, an exceptional leader often mentioned alongside the county’s Great women leaders such as Hon. Nyiva Mwendwa, Hon. Charity Ngilu and Dr. Irene Kasalu. Born and raised in Itumba, Mutha/Mathima Ward, Peninah’s journey from community development to national leadership is truly inspiring.

Before entering politics, Peninah built a distinguished career with Compassion International Kenya, where she served in various roles and rose to become the Senior Director for Partner Training and Support from 2006 to 2013. During this time, she spearheaded impactful community programs that transformed many lives especially the orphans across Kitui County.

In 2013, Peninah joined politics and was elected as Kitui County’s first Deputy Governor, serving alongside Governor Julius Malombe. Together, they laid a strong foundation for county governance, earning her recognition as one of the best-serving deputy governors in Kitui’s governance since devolution.

Her exemplary leadership did not go unnoticed. In 2022, President Dr. William Ruto appointed her as the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, Wildlife, and Heritage, making her the first-ever minister from Kitui South since Kenya’s independence. She was later reassigned to head the Ministry of East African Community (EAC), ASALS, and Regional Development, where she served with excellence.

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Today, Hon. Peninah Malonza is viewed as one of Kitui County’s most influential leaders and a frontrunner in the 2027 gubernatorial race. Her rise from grassroots to the national stage reflects not only her leadership acumen but also her deep love for the people of Kitui South and Kitui County at large.

Hon. Gladys Kivoto and Hon. Peninah Malonza embody the spirit of service, resilience, and transformative leadership that defines Kitui South. Their remarkable journeys inspire a new generation of women leaders who continue to shape the county’s political and socio-economic landscape. Kitui south is indeed blessed to have these two great women leaders.

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