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Woman Representative, Kakamega County
Elsie Busihile Muhanda (born 10 October 1961) is the Woman Representative for Kakamega County and a long-serving Kenyan politician under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). First elected to the National Assembly in 2017 and re-elected in 2022, she represents Kakamega at the national level as “Mama County,” focusing on women, youth and marginalised groups. A trained economist and educator, she previously served in the County Government of Kakamega as County Executive Committee (CEC) Member responsible for Trade and Health, giving her a frontline role in county-level service delivery and devolution.
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Elsie Busihile Muhanda (born 10 October 1961) is the Woman Representative for Kakamega County and a long-serving Kenyan politician under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). First elected to the National Assembly in 2017 and re-elected in 2022, she represents Kakamega at the national level as “Mama County,” focusing on women, youth and marginalised groups. A trained economist and educator, she previously served in the County Government of Kakamega as County Executive Committee (CEC) Member responsible for Trade and Health, giving her a frontline role in county-level service delivery and devolution. Born and raised in Butere, Kakamega County, Muhanda’s career spans teaching, public service and entrepreneurship. She taught Economics and Business Studies before moving into national policy work as a Commissioner at the Poverty Eradication Commission, and later founded and ran Elsie’s Investment, Mama Mulai Africa and Upendo Projects, focusing on enterprise and community initiatives in Western Kenya. In Parliament, she has built a profile around empowerment funds, bursaries, water projects and education support, and was ranked among the more development-focused women representatives in Infotrak performance rankings, even as her record continues to attract both strong praise and sharp criticism within Kakamega’s competitive politics.
Highlights that showcase impact and influence.
Elected and re-elected as Kakamega County Woman Representative (2017, 2022), giving her two consecutive terms as the county’s female voice in the National Assembly and within ODM’s national structures.
Recognised in Infotrak development rankings, where she was cited among the better-performing women representatives nationally (reported as fourth with a 46% score), bolstering her claim to a strong development track record.
Championed and implemented empowerment initiatives targeting women, youth and Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs) across Kakamega, including group formation, skills training, bursaries and social welfare interventions highlighted in local media and community reports
Played a visible role in education and infrastructure support, partnering with entities like the KPC Foundation on school dormitories and classrooms, and using her office to attract resources into learning facilities in the county.
A timeline of pivotal roles and responsibilities.
1984–1996: Worked in the education sector as a teacher/lecturer in Economics and Business Studies at institutions including Eastleigh High School, Highway Secondary School and Kenya Polytechnic, building her reputation as an educator and mentor.
1996–present: Entrepreneur and community organiser, serving as CEO/Managing Director of Elsie’s Investment, Mama Mulai Africa and Upendo Projects, focusing on small business, community projects and economic empowerment in Western Kenya
2011–2012: Commissioner at the Poverty Eradication Commission under the Ministry of Planning and Vision 2030, contributing to national-level policy discussions on poverty reduction and socio-economic development.
2014–2017: County Executive Committee Member (CEC) for Trade and Health in the County Government of Kakamega, followed by election as Kakamega Woman Representative in 2017 and re-election in 2022, where she has served on committees such as the Departmental Committee on Energy and the Members’ Services and Facilities Committee.
Key events that have shaped public perception.
Her tenure as CEC for Health and Medical Services in Kakamega attracted criticism over the management of projects such as Shamakhubu Hospital, with some commentators linking her to alleged mismanagement or stalled works; these remain allegations in media and social-media commentary rather than findings from a court of law.
Since entering elective politics in 2013, she has frequently been portrayed by critics as a polarising figure, with certain opinion pieces and local activists questioning her leadership style and qualifications, particularly in the context of her interest in the Kakamega governorship.
Has been involved in high-profile spats within Kakamega’s political class, including clashes with Governor Fernandes Barasa, who publicly condemned what he called her “uncouth behaviour” at a funeral, episodes that have fed narratives of intra-ODM and intra-county rivalry.
Faces periodic public criticism and calls for investigation from some residents and local media, who have accused her of using mobilised supporters to heckle opponents and of failing to deliver adequately on development; at the same time, other community voices defend her record and continue to back her for higher office, underscoring her contested but significant presence in Kakamega politics.
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Elsie Busihile Muhanda (born 10 October 1961) is the Woman Representative for Kakamega County and a long-serving Kenyan politician under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). First elected to the National Assembly in 2017 and re-elected in 2022, she represents Kakamega at the national level as “Mama County,” focusing on women, youth and marginalised groups. A trained economist and educator, she previously served in the County Government of Kakamega as County Executive Committee (CEC) Member responsible for Trade and Health, giving her a frontline role in county-level service delivery and devolution.
Elsie Muhanda is affiliated with Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
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