Soipan Tuya: From Looking After Cows, Topping KCPE To Ruto CS

Before she was appointed the Cabinet Secretary (CS) for the Ministry of Environment, 42-year-old Roselinda Soipan Tuya was only known due to links with her father, former Narok South Member of Parliament (MP) Samson Ole Tuya.

The fourth daughter of 15 is the first Maasai woman to hold one of the country's most lucrative and at times heavily scrutinised roles and like probably most of the CSs, Tuya was immediately thrust into action by President William Ruto following her appointment in September 2022.

Her first assignment was preparing Kenya's agenda at and delegation to the world's climate meeting COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, a magnitude which was underscored by the fact that Kenya led the continent's push in ensuring the setting up of a loss and damage fund for those grappling with the most devastating impacts of the climate crisis for the first time after more than 40 years of lobbying.

CS Tuya is fresh from noting down another major milestone as Kenya hosted several heads of state and over 10,000 delegates at the three-day inaugural Africa Climate Summit, the first time the country has ever held such a forum in collaboration with the African Union (AU).

But for a Cabinet Minister who leaves a sense of admiration, awe and fantasies in some men owing to her beauty and brilliance, she did have a humble start to her life.

Soipan Tuya Early Life & Education

Like most people from pastoralist communities, tending to cows, sheep and goats was part of the Environment Cabinet Secretary's upbringing, which made her fall deeply in love with nature.

In her formative years, Tuya attended Ololulunga Primary School in Olentutu, Narok County, an institution set up by the World Bank to support pastoralist communities. She sat her Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examination in the school and emerged as the top girl in Narok County.

She thereafter joined Kenya High School in Nairobi after transferring from Moi Girls High School in Eldoret due to health complications and then sat her Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams in 1998.

She graduated with a Bachelor of Law degree from the University of Nairobi in 2002 and later obtained a diploma from the Kenya School of Law. In 2004, she was admitted to the bar as an advocate of the High Court.

However, her passion for environmental law would convince her to apply and win a scholarship to pursue a Master's degree in sustainable international development at the University of Washington in Seattle, United States (US).

Career

Tuya's first job was with a non-profit organisation (NGO) where she worked as a legal officer, coordinating environmental and land issues concerning governance, taking part in various regional and international forums apart from winning many land-related court cases.

She later joined the United Nations (UN) as a volunteer specialist, where she developed policy briefs focusing on human rights abuse among Kenyans, such as the infamous Tana delta environment cancer case in Marsabit caused by oil spills in the county.

Politics & Minister In Ruto Cabinet

After a working stint at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Tuya joined elective and competitive politics in 2012, winning the Narok Woman Representative seat.

She shelved her ambitions to vie for the position of Narok governor in September 2022 to push for a slot in President Ruto's government, which she eventually clinched, taking charge of the Environment, Climate Change and Forestry docket from Keriako Tobiko who hails from the neighbouring Kajiado County.

"I love to be part of positive change in a way that it impacts lives. When I am in a position where I have a say and have the space to do the right thing, I go on overdrive," she told the Business Daily on Monday, September 11.

Tuya described President Ruto's work ethic as ruthless though in a unique fashion that encourages a person to stretch themselves beyond their capability.

"I could never ask for another boss. He pushes you out of your comfort zone. He rolls his sleeves and gets his hands dirty to ensure things get done and accomplished," she described a typical day of working with the Head of State.

Environment CS, Soipan Tuya with President William Ruto and PS Eng Festus K Ng'eno at the official opening of the 3-day AYCA at KICC in Nairobi on September 1, 2023. /MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT

"Anyone who works for or with President Ruto and does not grow cannot find help elsewhere. Dr. Ruto is a destiny shaper."

Tuya, who is a mother of four and married to former Narok County Assembly Majority leader Stephen Ole Kudate, is seeking to maintain a work-life balance owing to the rigours of her job.

"As a mother of four, the biggest challenge has been to strike a good balance between the demands of my job and giving my children quality time and attention. I know there is no such thing as succeeding in my work life and failing to raise my kids well. I have to succeed in both.

"I pray a lot to strike this balance. I have a solid family backup. During the times I have to be away from my children for work. I also travel with them whenever I can when they are on holiday, even when I am travelling for work because it helps them understand and appreciate, especially when I can't spend time with them," she added.