Meet Sheilah
My life has been dedicated to service, advocacy, and change. From leading as head girl in school to heading student unions at Vassar College, I've learned the importance of responsibility, empathy, and collective action. My leadership extends beyond titles, actively engaging in Kenyan civil society to champion justice and accountability. I use public platforms to demand transparency and address public service failures, focusing on continuous engagement and inspiring action.
Our Foundation
Our Values
My values are not just words; they are the unwavering foundation for every proposal I'll bring forward as your Woman Representative. Think of them as the bed rock upon which we will build a stronger Migori County. These core principles will guide every decision, ensuring that all our progress genuinely benefits every single resident. My commitment is to translate these values into concrete actions and policies that foster real, tangible improvements across our community
Health
My commitment to the well-being of our community is deeply rooted in addressing the most critical health challenges facing our people. My focus will be on four inter connected pillars that demand our urgent and concerted attention: Maternal and Newborn Health, Mental Health, Sickle Cell Disease, and the comprehensive health needs of Persons With Disabilities(PWDs).
Education
Unwavering commitment to ensure that every resident of our county has unfettered access to basic quality education, spanning from the foundational Early Childhood Development (ECD) level right through to comprehensive post-secondary training. I firmly believe that education is not merely a privilege but an indispensable right and the most potent catalyst for individual empowerment, community development, and national progress.
Security
I consider the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) not just a policy objective, but a profound moral imperative. My commitment to our community demands that we confront this pervasive issue head-on, ensuring not only that harmful behaviors are eradicated but also that survivors receive the comprehensive support and justice they deserve. My strategy centers on two critical pillars: robust sensitization and unimpeded access to vital GBV resources.
Economic Empowerment
To extend beyond conventional economic models to embrace innovative solutions that truly empower every segment of our society. I am firmly convinced that the Social Economy framework holds the key to unlocking genuine economic democracy and social justice in our county, primarily by driving comprehensive financial inclusivity for those who have historically been marginalized: our women, youth, and Persons with Disabilities(PWDs).
Environement
I recognize that the bedrock of a healthy, prosperous, and sustainable community lies in our diligent stewardship of the Environment, Water resources, and Sanitation infrastructure. These are not isolated issues but intricately linked pillars that directly impact public health, economic productivity, and the overall quality of life for every resident of our county. My unwavering commitment is to ensure that these fundamental needs are met with urgency, innovation, and long-term vision.
Development
I hold a profound belief that the vibrancy and soul of any community are deeply embedded in its Sports, Arts, and Culture. These are not mere leisure activities, but fundamental pillars that foster holistic development, build social cohesion, preserve our heritage, and unlock immense talent and economic potential. My commitment is to elevate these sectors, ensuring they thrive and enrich the lives of every resident in our county.
Service
My commitment to public service is rooted in an unwavering dedication to integrity and servant leadership. These aren't just abstract ideals for me; they are the guiding principles that will define every action I take, every decision I make, and every proposal I champion in public office.
My story
From the humble streets of Kisumu where I was born and raised, I always knew that my calling was in public service to others.
My Childhood
I was born and raised in the vibrant region spanning Migori and Kisumu counties in Kenya. I attended St. Theresa's Rapogi Girls Primary School, St. Albert's Ulanda Girls High School and later, Kisumu Girls High School. From a young age, I was a strong advocate for justice, a passion deeply inspired by my father, Hon. Zablon Owigo Olang, who was a great politician. My activism opened numerous doors for me, including securing scholarships that enabled me to pursue and complete my university education in the United States Of America, France and the UK.
My family
Growing up in a large family, I always envisioned building a family of my own and eventually settling down. That dream has now become a beautiful reality, right here in Migori County, where I truly feel my purpose lies. Today, I am happily settled in Karungu, Migori County, sharing my life with my husband and children. It is a return to my roots that feels profoundly right, allowing me to nurture my family while actively contributing to the community that shaped me.
My career
It was during my time as an educator at the National Model UN in New York that I truly began to shape my understanding of global policy. There, I delved into a myriad of policy issues for women and children, taking on the unique challenge of representing various country positions. This experience offered me invaluable insight into the complexities of international relations and the diverse approaches to human rights and development. After graduating as a Political Economist and Development Expert, my journey then led me to Denmark, where I was fortunate enough to be accepted into the prestigious Novo Nordisk Global Business Graduate Program. This was an incredible opportunity that immersed me in the world of public-private partnerships, marketing, and business development across the globe. One of my most significant contributions during this period was representing Novo Nordisk in their outreach activities on matters of Sickle Cell in Africa. This role, in particular, profoundly impacted me. Witnessing firsthand the challenges and opportunities within healthcare on the continent ignited a deep conviction within me, ultimately convincing me that my purpose laid back home. I made the deliberate decision to move back to Migori. This return marked a pivotal moment, as it's here that I've truly found my calling. Today, I'm the proud owner of a consultancy and actively run several businesses within the Blue Economy sector. My focus is firmly on targeting local value addition and social impact, striving to create sustainable opportunities and make a tangible difference in my community.
My political activism
A political struggle that does not have women at the heart of it, above it, below it, and within it is no struggle at all - Amnesty International
The genesis
My engagement with political matters at the grassroots level has been a constant throughout my life. I've always made it a point to remain active, providing what I hope has been insightful political and economic analysis at the national level. However, if I'm honest, it was the June 2024 Finance Bill protests that truly ignited a new, more urgent fire within me, and within so many of us young Kenyans.
We couldn't stand by; the glaring inequities and injustices around us became too pronounced to ignore. As a woman deeply rooted in Migori County, and having always been committed to making a tangible difference, this moment felt like a powerful call to action. I recognized it as a crucial opportunity to step up and truly represent the voices that often go unheard: the women, the youth, and persons with disabilities (PwD) from our great county of Migori.
This was more than just a protest; it was a profound realization that my long-standing engagement could now transition into direct, targeted representation, ensuring that the specific needs and aspirations of these vital groups are not just acknowledged, but actively championed.
Since then, our campaign has remained focused to centering issue-based solutions that plague the residents of Migori, from financial exclusion, rampant youth unemployment, lack of access to child and maternal health services amongst other issues. The journey has began, and together, we can achieve great heights and make our county, and Kenya, great again!
The time to act is now!
The fight for a better Kenya is a task for us all
It is time for all citizens to rise up and act, you can support the cause in different ways
