Cecily Mbarire is serving her first term as Governor for Embu County, having been elected in 2022 on a UDA Party ticket.
She also serves as the Chairperson of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, having been appointed in a National Executive Committee meeting on February 27, 2023.
Cecily’s rich political career includes serving in the National Assembly from 2003 to 2022, making her one of the longest-serving female members of Parliament in Kenya.
Early Life and Education
Cecily Mutitu Mbarire was born in 1972 in Ndamunge, a tea-growing village in Kanja, Runyenjes Constituency.
Parents: Cecily’s father, Joseph Njagi Mbarire, was a political figure who served as a councilor in the defunct Embu County Council. He was elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Embu North in 1974. Mr. Njagi Mbarire served in the National Assembly for two terms until 1983, when he was succeeded by Stanley Nyaga Kithung’a. Her mother Margaret was a primary school teacher.
Primary Education: Cecily Mbarire began her basic education at Muragari Primary School in Mukuuri, where her mother was a long-serving teacher. In 1983, she moved to St. Peters Boarding School in Ishiara in Class 4, and sat for her Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examinations in 1986.
Secondary Education: In 1987, she joined Sacred Heart Girls School in Kyeni, Nyeri County, where she sat for her Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations in 1990.
Undergraduate Studies: In 1992, Cecily Mbarire joined Egerton University, where she pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Sociology, graduating in 1996.
Postgraduate Studies: Between 2014 and 2016, Mbarire pursued a Global Executive Master of Business Administration degree at the United States International University in Nairobi. She also holds a post-graduate Diploma in Gender and Development Studies from the University of Nairobi.
Career and Political Journey
Cecily Mbarire’s political career has it’s roots in Egerton University, where she served as the chairperson of the Students Association. Her leadership skills and dedication to student issues laid the foundation for her future in politics.
SDP Youth Coordinator: In 1996, Mbarire gained public attention as an outspoken programme coordinator for Youth Agenda in the Social Democratic Party. The SDP’s presidential candidate at the time was Charity Ngilu, a significant figure in Kenyan politics. Mbarire’s role in Youth Agenda showcased her commitment to youth and social issues.
Nominated MP (SDP): Cecily Mbarire was first nominated to Parliament by the Ngilu-led SDP party in 2002, marking the start of her legislative career at a tender age of 30.
Assistant Minister: During her time in Parliament, Cecily was appointed Assistant Minister for Tourism by President Mwai Kibaki, a position she held until 2007.
Runyenjes MP (1st Term): In 2007, Mbarire was elected as the Member of Parliament for Runyenjes on a PNU (Party of National Unity) ticket, narrowly defeating the incumbent, Martin Wambora.
Runyenjes MP (2nd Term): She retained the Runyenjes MP seat in 2013 under the TNA party, demonstrating her continued popularity and effectiveness as a legislator.
Nominated MP (Jubilee): In 2017, Mbarire lost in the Jubilee Party primaries for the Embu Governor position to Martin Wambora, who was seeking a second term. In the same year, she was nominated to Parliament, representing special interests.
Embu Governor: In August 2022, Cecily Mbarire was elected the Governor for Embu County on a UDA Party ticket after garnering 108,610 votes. Her main challenger, Development Empowerment Party candidate Lenny Kivuti, received 105,046 votes.
Achievements
Throughout her career, Cecily Mbarire has achieved numerous milestones and earned recognition for her exemplary leadership. Some of her notable achievements include:
- Serving as a Deputy Minister for Tourism and Transport.
- Being a Member of several influential parliamentary committees, including the Energy Committee, Agriculture and Livestock Committee, and the Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee.
- Serving as Majority Deputy Chief Whip of the Kenya National Assembly.
- Chairing the Kenya Women Parliamentarians Association and serving as Treasurer of the Kenya Young Parliamentarians Association.
- Being a Member of the Parliamentary Network on Family Planning and Reproductive Health and the Parliamentary Network on the World Bank, Kenya Chapter.
- Serving as Secretary of the Amani Forum – Kenya Chapter, a regional peace initiative for East and Central Africa Parliamentarians.
- Actively engaging in community mobilization on climate change and development initiatives.
Family Life
Cecily Mbarire values her family and draws strength from their support and encouragement. She is married and has children, who have been a source of inspiration throughout her career.
Despite her demanding schedule, Mbarire prioritizes spending time with her family and cherishes moments shared with them.
Wealth/Net Worth
As a successful politician and leader, Cecily Mbarire has earned a comfortable living through her various endeavors. While specifics about her personal wealth may not be publicly available, it is evident that she has achieved financial stability through her professional pursuits and prudent financial management.
Controversies
Like many public figures, Cecily Mbarire has faced criticism and controversies throughout her career. However, she has remained steadfast in her commitment to serving the people of Kenya and advancing the country’s development agenda.
Despite facing challenges, Mbarire continues to be a respected leader in Kenyan politics, known for her dedication, integrity, and tireless advocacy on behalf of her constituents and marginalized communities.
We bring you the latest News updates from Mt. Kenya Region and beyond. We are the leading Mt. Kenya News outlet in the country.
