- KANU has appointed 27-year-old Mercy Wanyeki as National Executive Director.
- She becomes the first woman to hold the position in the party’s history.
- The appointment was announced by party chairman Gideon Moi.
- Wanyeki previously served as Director of Finance and Administration and Assistant International Relations Officer.
- KANU says the move reflects its focus on youth leadership, reform, and gender inclusion.
The Kenya African National Union has announced a historic leadership appointment, naming 27-year-old Mercy Wanyeki as its new National Executive Director. The decision makes her the first woman to hold the powerful administrative office since the party was founded.
KANU confirmed the appointment in a statement issued on Friday, August 7. The party said the move is part of a broader effort to strengthen internal reforms and create more opportunities for young leaders and women within its leadership structures.
Party chairman Gideon Moi approved the appointment, which KANU described as a significant milestone in its ongoing renewal agenda. The party said Wanyeki’s elevation demonstrates confidence in a younger generation of leaders who have already contributed to its transformation.
KANU added that the appointment aligns with its commitment to institutional renewal, youth empowerment, and gender inclusion. The party has recently spoken about modernising its operations and rebuilding support among younger voters.
Before taking up the new role, Wanyeki served as KANU’s Director of Finance and Administration. She also worked as Assistant International Relations Officer, where the party says she participated in restructuring and organisational reforms.
According to KANU, she helped improve internal systems and administrative processes during a period of reorganisation. The party said her work contributed to efforts aimed at making its structures more efficient and responsive.
KANU credited Wanyeki with helping attract younger members to the party. It said she has been involved in initiatives designed to modernise party operations and strengthen engagement with emerging leaders across the country.
The party also noted that she has represented KANU in regional and international engagements, giving her exposure to broader political networks and party management practices.
The appointment is being viewed as one of the most significant gender milestones in KANU’s recent history. By placing a woman in the executive director position for the first time, the party says it is opening senior leadership spaces that were previously dominated by men.
KANU said Wanyeki’s promotion recognises her competence, dedication, and vision for the future of the party. It added that her rise to the position sends a message that young people can advance to senior leadership roles through performance and commitment.
Wanyeki takes office at a time when many political parties in Kenya are under pressure to increase youth and women representation in decision-making positions. The country’s Constitution encourages greater inclusion of women and young people in public and political leadership, and parties have increasingly highlighted such appointments as evidence of reform.
KANU said it expects Wanyeki to play a central role in guiding the party’s administrative operations and supporting its long-term political renewal agenda.
