EP.02 | S1 | Breaking Barriers in Kenyan Politics: Hon. Mohamed Umulkher Harun on Leadership, and Empowering Young Women

What does it take to enter a space that was never designed with you in mind, navigate its unwritten rules, fight to pass a bill that most people did not know was needed, and do all of it before the age of 30? In this episode of SheShapes Africa, host Caroline Mbugua sits down with Hon. Mohamed Umulkher Harun, a nominated Member of Parliament in Kenya's National Assembly, for an honest and deeply practical conversation about breaking into policymaking as a young African woman. "It doesn't come easy, but when you get there, it gets easier." - Hon. Mohamed Umulkher Harun . From civil society to the chamber Her path from NGO work in Garissa County to a seat in the National Assembly was neither linear nor guaranteed. She shares how a TV leadership programme, a political mentor, and one moment of being picked from a crowd changed the trajectory of her life. Championing the deaf community through legislation A chance meeting with 30 deaf young people set her on a mission to sponsor Kenya's Sign Language Bill. She walks us through the full legislative journey and why good bills still take years to become law. Stakeholder management as a survival skill From community associations to global deaf networks, Hon. Umulkher explains how public participation shaped and strengthened her bill, and why lawmakers who ignore stakeholders get it wrong. Learning the ropes in an intimidating space From being mistaken for a visitor in her own chamber to delivering her maiden speech within the first month, Hon. Umulkher shares the advice that kept her standing when the house felt overwhelming. The art of being remembered On speech writing, delivery and the elevator pitch, her philosophy is simple: humanize it, keep it short, and make sure they remember the last thing you said. Her message to young women across Africa is clear: the space is hard to enter, but it is not impossible. Find your mentor, know your focus, and do not stay silent. Hosted by Caroline Mbugua HSC. — An initiative by Caroline Mbugua HSC In partnership with THOP Institute Produced by ASER45 Agency